March 8th is celebrated as International Women’s Day. It is a global day recognizing the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day has its roots in the early labor movement and the fight for women’s rights.

1. Origin:
   • The first National Women’s Day was organized by the Socialist movement in the United States on February 28, 1909. The idea to make it an international event came from the International Women’s Conference held in Copenhagen in 1910. The first International Women’s Day was celebrated on March 19, 1911, in several European countries.
2. United Nations Recognition:
   • The United Nations officially recognized International Women’s Day in 1977, and it has since become a widely celebrated global event.
3. Theme and Focus:
   • Each year, International Women’s Day has a specific theme that focuses on various aspects of women’s rights and gender equality. Themes often address issues such as education, health, economic empowerment, violence against women, and more.
4. Global Celebrations:
   • International Women’s Day is marked by events, activities, and campaigns around the world. These can include rallies, panel discussions, art exhibitions, film screenings, and more. Social media also plays a significant role in spreading awareness and fostering discussions.
5. Call to Action:
   • The day serves as a call to action for accelerating gender parity. It’s an opportunity to raise awareness about the challenges women face and to advocate for positive change in areas such as equal opportunities, pay equity, and the elimination of discrimination.
6. Purple Ribbon Symbol:
   • The color purple is often associated with International Women’s Day. The Purple Ribbon is a symbol of dignity and justice and is used to signify support for women’s rights.
7. Each for Equal Campaign:
   • The 2020 theme for International Women’s Day was #EachforEqual, promoting the idea that an equal world is an enabled world. The campaign aimed to encourage individuals to take actions, big or small, to contribute to gender equality.
8. Ongoing Challenges:
   • While celebrating progress, International Women’s Day also highlights the ongoing challenges women face globally, including gender-based violence, unequal access to education and healthcare, and workplace discrimination.

International Women’s Day provides an important opportunity to reflect on progress, celebrate achievements, and advocate for a more inclusive and equal world for everyone.

The presence of the day in INDIA

In India, International Women’s Day is widely observed, and various events and initiatives are organized to celebrate the achievements of women and promote gender equality. Here are some aspects of how International Women’s Day is typically observed in India:

1. Events and Activities:
   • Across the country, numerous events are organized, including seminars, workshops, panel discussions, cultural programs, and exhibitions. These events focus on issues such as women’s empowerment, gender equality, and women’s rights.
2. Rallies and Marches:
   • Women’s groups, NGOs, and other organizations often conduct rallies and marches to raise awareness about women’s issues and advocate for gender equality. These events may address a range of topics, including violence against women, access to education and healthcare, and women’s economic empowerment.
3. Corporate Initiatives:
   • Many companies and organizations in India use International Women’s Day as an opportunity to highlight the achievements of women in their workforce. They may organize special events, workshops, or discussions on diversity and inclusion.
4. Social Media Campaigns:
   • Social media plays a significant role in spreading awareness and mobilizing support for International Women’s Day in India. Hashtags, campaigns, and posts on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook contribute to the online dialogue surrounding women’s issues.
5. Women’s Rights and NGOs:
   • Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and women’s rights groups take advantage of International Women’s Day to showcase their work and campaigns. They may use the occasion to draw attention to specific challenges faced by women in India and advocate for policy changes.
6. Government Initiatives:
   • The Indian government may also organize events and campaigns to mark International Women’s Day. This could include addressing gender-based violence, launching schemes for women’s empowerment, or celebrating the achievements of women in various fields.
7. Cultural Programs:
   • Cultural events, including plays, music performances, and art exhibitions, may be organized to celebrate women’s contributions to Indian culture and society.
8. Awareness Campaigns:
   • Awareness campaigns addressing issues such as menstrual hygiene, women’s health, and education may be intensified on and around International Women’s Day.

It’s important to note that while progress has been made, India, like many other countries, continues to grapple with challenges related to gender inequality. International Women’s Day serves as a platform to amplify voices, inspire action, and work towards creating a more equitable and inclusive society.

Most Powerful Women in India

In a country often celebrated for its diversity and cultural richness, India has a growing list of influential women making waves across various sectors. From politics to finance, these women have shattered glass ceilings and emerged as beacons of empowerment for millions. Here are a few of them who have left an indelible mark in the Indian society:

1. Droupadi Murmu

Droupadi Murmu, a seasoned politician and former educator, has been serving as the 15th President of India since 2022. Murmu’s ascent to the presidency not only marks a historic milestone but also stands as a symbol of women’s empowerment. Prior to her presidency, she made history as the first female tribal Governor in India, holding office in Jharkhand.

2. Nirmala Sitharaman

Nirmala Sitharaman, appointed as India’s Finance Minister in May 2019, etched her name in history as the country’s first full-time female finance minister. With a background encompassing roles in international organizations and advocacy for women’s rights, Sitharaman’s leadership in finance and corporate affairs is reshaping India’s economic landscape.

3. Madhabi Puri Buch

Madhabi Puri Buch’s appointment as the first female chairperson of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) in March 2022 underscores her prowess in financial regulation. With extensive experience in both domestic and international financial markets, Buch is steering SEBI towards ensuring strong governance and transparency in India’s burgeoning stock market ecosystem.

4. BV Nagarathna

Justice BV Nagarathna is poised to become the first female Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India in 2027, a testament to her unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law. Known for her principled stance and landmark judgments, Justice Nagarathna’s judicial acumen continues to shape the legal landscape of the nation.

5. Soma Mondal

Soma Mondal’s historic appointment as the first female chairperson of the Steel Authority of India (SAIL) in January 2021 heralds a new era for the steel industry. Under her stewardship, SAIL has witnessed unprecedented growth, cementing Mondal’s reputation as a visionary leader in the male-dominated realm of heavy industry.

6. Roshni Nadar

As the CEO of HCL Corporation and Chairperson of HCL Technologies, Roshni Nadar is at the forefront of India’s technological revolution. Building upon her father’s legacy, Nadar’s strategic vision has propelled HCL to the pinnacle of global IT services, shaping the future of digital innovation.

7. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, founder and managing director of Biocon, stands as a beacon of entrepreneurship and innovation in the biopharmaceutical sector. With a relentless focus on research and development, Mazumdar-Shaw’s pioneering efforts have positioned Biocon as a global leader in life sciences.

8. Falguni Nayar

Falguni Nayar’s entrepreneurial journey with Nykaa, a leading retailer of beauty products, exemplifies the transformative power of vision and perseverance. Nykaa’s meteoric rise, under Nayar’s leadership, has not only revolutionized India’s beauty industry but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring female entrepreneurs nationwide.

9. Savitri Jindal

Savitri Jindal’s stewardship of the Jindal Group, a conglomerate with interests spanning steel, power, cement, and infrastructure, epitomizes resilience and business acumen. As one of India’s most influential businesswomen, Jindal’s leadership continues to drive the group’s growth and diversification.

10. Smitha Crishna-Godrej

Smitha Crishna-Godrej’s role in steering the Godrej Group, a venerable institution with a storied legacy, underscores her stature as a custodian of tradition and innovation. With a keen focus on sustainability and corporate governance, Crishna-Godrej’s leadership embodies the values of integrity and excellence.

The details on most powerful women in India, powered by Zee Business.

An arrange article by #teamanswerwala.

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