International Women’s Day is celebrated each year on March 8, providing an opportunity for women around the globe to join forces to celebrate empowerment, promote equality and drive progressive change. First celebrated in 1911, the annual event has inspired many women to fight oppression, denounce gender-based violence and work towards a more inclusive, equal and harmonious future.
In recent years, International Women’s Day has evolved to incorporate a greater focus on developing nations. Organisations such as the United Nations and UNICEF have worked gallantly to create programs, rallies and conferences dedicated to the advancement of women in areas that have not traditionally provided avenues for education or growth.
The role of women, in sports, politics, activism and business has never been more important, but it’s not a one-sided fight. International Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women around the world, while also acknowledging that everyone, regardless of gender, has a role to play in creating an equal-opportunity world.
Inspiring Women to Celebrate
For International Women’s Day this year, we honour the unique legacies of the remarkable women who helped shape the world around us. From athletes changing perceptions to businesswomen leading their industries, the women on this list not only propel their message forward, they also work to leave the world a better place in the process.
To celebrate International Women’s Day, we have compiled a list of 10 inspirational women from around the globe, each dedicated to driving the continued advancement of their chosen industry or sport. These are the pioneering women who changed the world, in our eyes, this year. Through their example, we hope the next generation of women and men are inspired to follow their lead and continue to push the boundaries in whatever their chosen field.
Leena Nair – Global CEO, Chanel
- Occupation: Global CEO, Chanel
- Nationality: Indian
- Known for: Only woman of colour leading a major global luxury brand.
Melinda Gates – Chairperson, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
- Occupation: Co-chair, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
- Nationality: American
- Known for: Co-founding one of the world’s largest charities for the advancement of women’s and girls’ rights.
Ibtihaj Muhammad – Sportsperson
- Occupation: Sabre fencer
- Nationality: American
- Known for: First Muslim American woman to wear a headscarf while competing for the United States in the Olympics
Megan Rapinoe – Sportsperson
- Occupation: Footballer
- Nationality: American
- Known for: First women’s soccer player – and one of the first women in sport ever – to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom
Judith Heumann – Activist
- Occupation: Disability rights activist
- Nationality: American
- Known for: Helped lead the mainstreaming of disability rights into international development.
Amika George MBE – Activist
- Occupation: Founder of the non-profit Free Periods
- Nationality: British
- Known for: Campaigning against period poverty in the United Kingdom.
Giorgia Meloni – Italian Prime Minister
- Occupation: Prime Minister, Italy
- Nationality: Italian
- Known for: First female Prime Minister of Italy.
Christine Lagarde – European Central Bank President
- Occupation: Lawyer/President, European Central Bank
- Nationality: French
- Known for: First woman to serve as French Minister of the Economy, Finance and Industry.
International Women’s Day
It goes without saying, but there are an endless number of inspiring and incredible women deserving of recognition. In industries across the globe, women are working to promote empowerment, drive equality and bridge the gender gap. The common thread that binds them, and indeed all the women on this list, is an unwavering dedication to their cause, no matter the criticism.
When International Women’s Day rolls around this year, get the conversation started by telling the important female figures in your life that you appreciate them. After all, while James Brown may very well have noted that it is a ‘man’s world’, it truly would be nothing, without a woman or a girl.
Get Involved This International Women’s Day
With the world collectively joining forces to promote empowerment, champion equality and celebrate the accomplishments of women globally, International Women’s Day (IWD) marks the perfect time to show your support. To get involved and reinforce your commitment to women’s development, you can participate in a vast number of IWD events, workshops, lectures and grassroots activations. The events are listed on the official IWD website and promoted through the IWD online community.
Additionally, the organisations responsible for aiding the development and progress of women worldwide are often underfunded and under-resourced. If you want to make a significant difference, you can donate to one of these many amazing female-focused charities and organisations working to support women around Australia.
- Women’s Housing Company
- Support the Girls
- Sydney Women’s Fund
- Dress for Success
- Share the Dignity
- Women’s Community Shelters
- Save the Children – Women’s Refuge Program
- UN Refugee Agency Australia for UNHCR
International Women’s Day FAQs
International Women’s Day uses a green and purple motif to represent the event’s key themes. According to the International Women’s Development Agency, purple was traditionally a colour that denoted justice and dignity and is now used to represent women, while green is a symbol of hope. Today, purple is the colour of International Women’s Day, and combined with green represents the feminist movement.
International Women’s Day was first conceived in 1910 when Clara Zetkin, the leader of the Women’s Office for the Social Democratic Party in Germany, introduced the idea at the second International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen. According to UN Women, the proposal received unanimous support from over one hundred women representing 17 countries, with the first official event held the following year on March 19.
International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated globally on the 8th of March every year.
The theme for International Women’s Day 2024 is “Invest in women: Accelerate Progress”. This overarching message highlights the importance of gender equality, empowerment, and human rights.
