International Women's Day being observed today

International Women's Day being observed today

Lahore (Web Desk): International Women's Day is celebrated annually on March 8 to mark the contribution and achievements of women to society across the globe.

International Women's Day (IWD), originally called International Working Women's Day, focuses on respect, appreciation and love towards women for their economic, political and social achievements. It is also known as the United Nations (UN) Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace.

There are certain colours which represent women’s struggles on International Women’s Day, including purple, white and green. On Women’s Day, activists wear a purple ribbon on their wrist to support equality, justice, dignity and respect to women.

In 1945, a Charter of the United Nations signed the first international agreement for the equal rights between women and men. The UN became a major force in helping change the traditional legacy of women. Every year, there is a unique theme for International Women’s Day by the UN.

This year's theme is “Women in the Changing World of Work: Planet 50-50 by 2030”, which aims to address and bring to light issues related to women's economic empowerment including:

1. Ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and Goal – 4 effective learning outcomes till 2030.

2. All girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care and pre- primary education so that they are ready for primary education by 2030.

3. Terminate all discrimination against all women and girls by 2030.

4. End of violence against women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.

5. End practices like child, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation.