JOHANNESBURG - International Women’s Day is marking 115 years since the first global observance.
What began in the early 20th century as a movement calling for fair wages, safer working conditions and the right to vote has since grown into a worldwide movement.
Over more than a century, women have secured rights that were once denied, entered professions previously closed to them and taken on leadership roles across politics, business, science, sport and culture.
Each generation has built on the efforts of those before it, expanding opportunities and challenging long-standing barriers.
But while the day celebrates progress, it also highlights ongoing challenges.
Gender inequality remains a reality in many parts of the world, including persistent pay gaps, underrepresentation in leadership, gender-based violence and unequal access to education and healthcare.
Advocates say the day serves as a reminder that gender equality is not only a women’s issue, but a broader social and economic challenge.
Supporters argue that when women have equal opportunities, communities and economies benefit.
The day also encourages governments, organisations and individuals to take practical steps to advance equality, including addressing workplace discrimination, promoting women’s leadership and tackling systemic barriers.
Over the decades, the day gained global recognition and is now marked in countries around the world through campaigns, discussions, rallies and community events.
Today, International Women’s Day remains both a celebration of women’s achievements and a call for continued action to close the gender gap.
- Information by IWD