Since the early 1900’s, a time of great development and confusions in industrialization, the international women’s day has been observed and celebrated in many ways across the world. It was a time when population was growing rapidly and people started having extreme individual beliefs. However, it is a time to look back on past struggles and look ahead on the opportunities for women. It is a day where the achievements of women are recognized without regard to divisions, whether national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political.

There has been a noteworthy change in both women’s and society’s views about women’s equality and liberation. The new millennium has witness an increased critical mass of women's visibility as impressive role models in every aspect of life. Though one may think that women have already gained true equality, women are still not presented and regarded equally as men in some parts of the world.

However, great improvements have been made. Women have real choices now. We have female astronauts and prime ministers, school girls are welcomed into universities and women can work and have a family as they prefer.

On March 8 of every year, thousands of events are held throughout the world to inspire women and celebrate achievements. A global web of rich and diverse local activity connects women from all around the world ranging from political rallies, government activities, business conferences and networking events through to local women's craft markets, theatric performances, fashion parades and more.

Many global corporations have also started to more actively support IWD (International Women’s Day) by running their own internal events and through supporting external ones. So everyone should try to make a difference and think globally. We should do what we can to ensure that the future for girls is bright, equal, safe and rewarding.

One may wonder why the world is dedicating a day exclusively to the celebration of the women. The General Assembly quote two reasons while implementing its decision of Women’s Day. It is to recognize the fact that securing peace and social progress and the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms require the active participation, equality and development of women; and to acknowledge the contribution of women to the strengthening of international peace and security. For the women of the world, the Day's symbolism has a wider meaning: It is an occasion to review how far they have come in their struggle for equality, peace and development. It is also an opportunity to unite, network and mobilize for meaningful change.

The first International Women's Day
In 1869 British MP John Stuart Mill was the first person in Parliament to call for women's right to vote. On 19 September 1893 New Zealand became the first country in the world to give women the right to vote. Women in other countries did not enjoy this equality and campaigned for justice for many years.

The very first International Women's Day was launched in 1911 by Clara Zetkin on 19 March (not 8 March). The date was chosen because on 19 March in the year of the 1848 revolution, the Prussian king recognized for the first time the strength of the armed people and gave way before the threat of a proletarian uprising. Among the many promises he made, which he later failed to keep, was the introduction of votes for women.

Success of the first International Women's Day in 1911 exceeded all expectation.
Meetings were organized everywhere in small towns and even the villages halls were packed so full that male workers were asked to give up their places for women.
n 1913 International Women's Day was transferred to 8 March and this day has remained the global date for International Women's Day ever since.

2010 Theme for International Women's Day
March 8 is the day on which International Women’s Day is celebrated each year. Throughout the month of March (apart from this exact day), hundreds of events occur to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women.

Different themes are chosen by organizations, governments and women's groups around the world each year that reflect global and local gender issues. It is a global theme recognized around the world or some years, an own theme preferred by groups to make it more relevant and precise to themselves.

Many people may think that there is a global theme each year. However, it is not so always. It is totally up to individual groups and countries to chose an appropriate theme for themselves as they think relevant. Likewise, the global UN theme for 2010 is ‘Equal rights, equal opportunities: Progress for all’.

Here are some of the global United Nation themes used to date:
- 2010: Equal rights, equal opportunities: Progress for all
- 2009: Women and men united to end violence against women and girls
- 2008: Investing in Women and Girls
- 2007: Ending Impunity for Violence against Women and Girls
- 2006: Women in decision-making
- 2005: Gender Equality Beyond 2005: Building a More Secure Future
- 2004: Women and HIV/AIDS
- 2003: Gender Equality and the Millennium Development Goals
- 2002: Afghan Women Today: Realities and Opportunities
- 2001: Women and Peace: Women Managing Conflicts
- 2000: Women Uniting for Peace
- 1999: World Free of Violence against Women
- 1998: Women and Human Rights
- 1997: Women at the Peace Table
- 1996: Celebrating the Past, Planning for the Future

Gender Equality and the United Nations
The first international agreement to affirm the principle of equality between women and men was the Charter of the United Nations, signed in 1945. Since then, the UN has helped create a historic legacy of internationally-agreed strategies, standards, programs and goals to advance the status of women worldwide.
Over the years, the UN and its technical agencies have promoted the participation of women as equal partners with men in achieving sustainable development, peace, security, and full respect for human rights. The empowerment of women continues to be a central feature of the UN’s efforts to address social, economic and political challenges across the globe.

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