Despite the fact that Women’s day has been observed by different countries since the early 1900s, International Women’s Day was first celebrated by the United Nations in year 1977. International women’s day is not just a day to celebrate the acts of heroism and tenacity of women who have played significant roles in history, it is also a day to reflect on the progress we have made and call for change.

Despite the benefits and change women have made in history, many challenges still remain. The theme of this year’s IWD is ‘Women in Leadership, Achieving an Equal Future in a Covid 19 World’. In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic that had ravaged the world, verified reports has it that women have been the hardest hit; still, they are projected to be the backbone of recovery in our societies, and the world at large. We have heard and even witnessed cases where girls and women as health care workers, caregivers and innovators have made impacts in the midst of the ravaging virus.

Undoubtedly, as Sydney Sheldon once stated, ‘women have been under-recognized for far too long’. Most inclusive leadership and representation of women leads to stronger democracies and breaking of barriers.

It’s time to challenge! It’s time to make a change!

Change doesn’t have to be in big moments and achievements, it can start from the way we think, the way we talk and the way we act, which creates ripple effects that will benefit us all in the long run.

Individuals, organizations and countries all over the world, don’t just support us, women, on this day, just to make us feel great. Rather, let your support for us promote social change.

Fellow women and girls, there are still many challenges facing us. Life’s tough, yeah? But so are we! Do you copy?
On this day, let us recognize, celebrate and boast the visibility of women’s achievements. We also need to increase awareness through impactful narratives, resources and activities. Michelle Obama said and I quote, ‘There’s no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish’.
Filmmaker Gina Carey points out thus: ‘A strong woman looks a challenge in the eye and gives it a wink’.

Indeed, International women’s day is a time for reflecting on how far women have come, advocacy for what is still necessary, and shattering barriers with continued feats.

IWD2021

ChooseToChallenge

InternationalWomensDay

QueenOhine