Dust off your best power suit and get ready to blast Beyonce’s Run The World on repeat: International Women’s Day is coming.
This Friday March 8 marks the day women around the world unite to celebrate everything awesome about being female – and acknowledge how far we have to go to achieve gender equality.
Here’s everything you need to know about this important day.
What is the theme for International Women’s Day 2019?
The logo for International Women’s Day. (Image: Supplied)
There are two themes for IWD this year – “Balance For Better” and the United Nations’ official theme, “More Powerful Together”.
Both themes focus on the need for more men to get involved in the fight for gender equality and the importance of not excluding men from the conversation about feminism.
BalanceForBetter is a call-to-action for driving gender balance across the world.
“Let’s build a gender-balanced world. Everyone has a part to play – all the time, everywhere,” the IWD official website says.
“Balance drives a better working world. We notice its absence and celebrate its presence. Let’s all help create a #BalanceforBetter.”
This year’s theme is #BalanceForBetter. (Image: Supplied)
The UN Women National Committee Australia is the official organisation linked to IWD here.
Their theme, More Powerful Together, is a call to stand in unison for gender equality.
“It takes all of us, working in collaboration and across that which sometimes divides us, breaking down stereotypes and gendered roles to create a world where women and girls everywhere have equal rights and opportunities,” the UN says.
Janelle Weissman, executive director of UN Women National Committee Australia told Now To Love the theme was chosen with the aim of eliminating some of the “us” and “them” dialogue surrounding discussions about gender equality.
“We are trying to bridge the divide that exists between men and women, to show a united front,” Ms Weissman said.
“It’s not just about winning for women, it’s about winning for families and winning so we can create a fair, violence-free world for women,” she said.
“Close the gender pay gap, close the leadership gap and to ensure women have equal opportunities to lean and learn. We also want to create safer communities so women can live life free from violence and oppression.”
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Some of our favourite power women – Lisa Wilkinson, Duchess Meghan and Nicole Kidman. (Images: Getty)
Why is it celebrated on March 8?
The suffragette movement, in the early 20th century, long fought for a single day where women’s rights could be celebrated.
After women in Soviet Russia gained the right to vote in 1917, March 8 became a nation holiday in that country.
The day was officially recognised by the United Nations in the International Women’s Year, 1975.
In 1977, the United Nations General Assembly invited member states to proclaim March 8 as the UN Day for women’s rights and world peace.
Side note: If you’re wondering if there’s an International Men’s Day as well, yes it exists. That day is November 19.
Watch below: Inspiring female celebrities on what feminism means to them. Post continues after video…
What is the official colour of International Women’s Day?
It’s purple – a colour that has long been associated with women’s fight for gender equality.
It was first used alongside green and white as the colour of Britain’s Women’s Social and Political Union, the organisation that led the woman’s suffrage moment in the early 20th century.
The colour was later used by feminists in the 1960s and 1970s fighting in the women’s liberation movement.
So don your favourite purple clothes and accessories on Friday or wear one of the statement purple satin ribbon pins available for sale.
How can I get involved?
There are loads of International Women’s Day events being held around the country on Friday.
The UN is holding a series of breakfasts in capital cities. For more information, visit the UN Women website.
Find out what events are happening near you by using this awesome online search tool.
Share your experiences on social media using the hashtags #IWD2019 and #InternationalWomensDay2019
Want more International Women’s Day info?
Everything you need to know about International Women’s Day 2019
Australia’s gender pay gap explained
8 things to do with the kids this International Women’s Day
OPINION: “On this International Women’s Day, I want it all… just not at once!”
Meet our most inspiring everyday Aussie women
The leading ladies of Neighbours’ on the show’s all-female International Women’s Day episode
