As we gear up to mark International Women's Day (IWD) tomorrow (March 8), we're taking a look at the history of the celebration, this year's theme and the issues women are focusing on for 2023.
The day is the focal point of Women's History Month which takes place over the course of March, and is an annual event to celebrate the achievements of women, whilst also pushing for further progress.
The event has been marked for more than a century and each year is given a theme, with this year's being Embrace Equity. Below, you'll find everything you need to know about International Women's Day 2023.
Read more: Hundreds line the city centre streets in Manchester's annual Walk for Women
What is International Women's Day?
Each year, International Women's Day is celebrated across the world on March 8. It is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.
Organisers of the event have said that IWD is one of the most important days of the year to celebrate women's achievements, educate and raise awareness for women's equality, call for positive change advancing women, lobby for gender parity and fundraise for female-focused charities.
When did International Women's Day start?
International Women's Day grew out of the labour movement to become a recognised event by the United Nations. The roots of the movement were planted in 1908, when 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter working hours, better pay and the right to vote.
The idea to make the day international in reach was suggested activist by Clara Zetkin in 1910 at the International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen. The day was first formally celebrated in 1911, in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland.
What is the theme for 2023?
For 2023, organisers have announced the theme as Embrace Equity. They are calling on people to challenge gender stereotypes, call out discrimination, draw attention to bias and seek out opportunities for greater inclusion.
Organisers say: "People start from different places, so true inclusion and belonging require equitable action.
"We can all challenge gender stereotypes, call out discrimination, draw attention to bias, and seek out inclusion. Collective activism is what drives change. From grassroots action to wide-scale momentum, we can all embrace equity."
How can I get involved in International Women's Day 2023?
Everyone can play a part in helping forge gender equality this IWD, and there are a wide range of campaigns, events, rallies, lobbying and performances taking place this year.
Organisers are calling on those who would like to get involved to strike the #EmbraceEquity pose (arms crossed in a self-hug) to show solidarity. Those getting involved are also being asked to share images and videos online with the hashtags #EmbraceEquity and #IWD2023 to encourage others to be part of the movement.
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