International Women's Day 2023‬‬

International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated annually on March 8th to recognize and celebrate the achievements of women worldwide and call for gender equality. The first International Women's Day was celebrated in 1911, and since then, it has become a global movement that inspires change and advocates for women's rights. In 2023, International Women's Day will mark its 112th anniversary and continue to work towards a gender-equal world.

The theme for International Women's Day 2023 is yet to be announced. However, the United Nations has declared 2023 as the International Year of the Creative Economy for Sustainable Development, which recognizes the potential of creativity and culture to drive economic growth and promote social well-being. The creative economy encompasses various sectors, including arts, media, entertainment, design, and technology, and has a significant impact on women's empowerment.

Women have played a crucial role in the creative economy, shaping cultures, and contributing to the world's diverse artistic expressions. However, despite their contributions, women face several challenges in the creative sector, including gender-based discrimination, unequal pay, and under-representation in leadership positions. International Women's Day 2023 provides an opportunity to reflect on these challenges and advocate for greater gender equality in the creative economy.

International Women's Day 2023 will also mark a crucial time in women's history as the world recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has exacerbated gender inequalities and affected women disproportionately, particularly in the areas of healthcare, employment, and education. According to the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report 2021, the pandemic has set back gender equality by a generation, and it will take 135 years to close the gender gap at the current rate of progress.

Therefore, International Women's Day 2023 presents an opportunity to focus on the impact of the pandemic on women and call for a gender-inclusive recovery. This includes addressing the gendered impacts of the pandemic, such as increased unpaid care work, violence against women, and the digital gender divide. It also involves advocating for policies that promote women's participation in the labor market, equal pay, and access to education and healthcare.

In addition to advocating for gender equality, International Women's Day 2023 provides an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women in various fields. Women have made significant strides in politics, business, science, sports, and entertainment, among others, and have broken barriers and shattered glass ceilings. However, women's achievements are often overlooked, and they face gender-based discrimination and bias, which limit their opportunities and potential.

International Women's Day 2023 can be used to highlight and celebrate women's accomplishments and contributions to society. It can also be used to showcase women as role models and inspire young girls and women to pursue their dreams and aspirations. The day can be marked by organizing events and activities that showcase women's achievements and promote gender equality.

The role of men in promoting gender equality cannot be overlooked on International Women's Day 2023. Men play a crucial role in creating a gender-inclusive world by challenging gender stereotypes, advocating for gender equality, and becoming allies to women. Men can support women by actively listening to their experiences, calling out sexist behaviors, and promoting women's leadership and participation in decision-making.

International Women's Day 2023 provides an opportunity for men to reflect on their role in promoting gender equality and commit to taking action towards achieving a gender-inclusive world. Men can participate in International Women's Day activities and engage in conversations about gender equality. They can also take concrete actions such as mentoring women, promoting gender diversity in their workplaces, and advocating for gender-responsive policies.