CELEBRATING NOTABLE WOMEN ACHIEVERS ON INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

• PRECIOUS JULIUS

 International Women’s Day (IWD) has a rich history rooted in the fight for women’s rights and gender equality. In 1908, the first significant observation of Women’s Day occurred on March 8, when 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding better working conditions, higher wages, and the right to vote. This event, organised by the  Women’s Social and Political Union was one of the first times that women’s rights were given national attention in a public forum.

 The idea for a global Women’s Day was proposed by Clara Zetkin, a German socialist and feminist. At the second International Socialist Women’s Congress in Copenhagen, she suggested a global day to promote equal rights for women and support universal suffrage. It was agreed that International Women’s Day would be celebrated annually on the same date in every country. 

The first official International Women’s Day was celebrated on March 19, in  several European countries, including Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. More than a million people participated in rallies, advocating for women’s rights, including the right to vote, work, and hold public office. 1917 During World War I, Russian women marked International Women’s Day with a protest against food shortages and the harsh conditions of the war. This protest is often considered the catalyst for the Russian Revolution of 1917, which eventually led to the abdication of Tsar Nicholas ll 1945 After World War II, the United Nations (UN) began to play a significant role in promoting women’s rights. In 1945, the UN Charter enshrined the principle of gender equality, and International Women’s Day continued to be an occasion for women worldwide to call for social, political, and economic reform   The United Nations officially adopted March 8 as International Women’s Day, recognizing the day as an opportunity to celebrate women’s achievements and raise awareness about gender inequality globally.

 Since the 1980s, International Women’s Day has grown to encompass global celebrations and actions. Each year, the UN designates a theme for the day, which serves to highlight specific issues affecting women, such as gender-based violence, women’s education, and equal pay

Today, International Women’s Day is celebrated worldwide by governments, organisations, and individuals. It serves as both a celebration of the progress made in women’s rights and a reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality. The day is marked by events ranging from marches, panel discussions, and social media campaigns, to performances and exhibitions.

Moreover, March 8 has become a day for reflection, advocacy, and action toward achieving gender equality and empowering women across all spheres of society.

Since the first International Women’s Day celebration in 1911, women have achieved significant milestones across various fields, including sports, politics, economics, and religious leadership.

There are some notable achievements which includes Sports. Billie Jean King (Tennis) A trailblazer in women’s sports, Billie Jean King won 39 Grand Slam titles, including 20 singles titles, and fought for gender equality in tennis. Her victory in the  1973 “Battle of the Sexes” against Bobby Riggs was a landmark moment in the fight for equal treatment in sports. Mia Hamm (Soccer) Mia Hamm is widely regarded as one of the greatest female soccer players ever. She won  two FIFA Women’s World Cup titles and two Olympic gold medals and was a key figure in the growth of women’s soccer globally.

Next one is politics; Indira Gandhi (India) Indira Gandhi became the first female Prime Minister of India in 1966 serving for over 15 years, and was one of the most influential political figures in modern history. Her leadership during a time of political and economic instability helped shape India’s future. 

Furthermore, Margaret Thatcher (UK) Margaret Thatcher was the first woman to become the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, serving from 1979 to 1990 She was known for her strong conservative policies, especially in terms of economics and foreign affairs. Another example is economic leadership. Christine Lagarde (IMF and ECB ) Christine Lagarde made history as the first woman to head the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and later the European Central Bank (ECB) positions that have made her a central figure in global economic policy and decision-making.

Oprah Winfrey (Media Mogul) Oprah Winfrey became one of the most influential media figures in the world. She built a multi-billion-dollar empire, significantly changing the landscape of television and media. Her work in philanthropy and business has empowered many women in the entertainment industry.

Melinda Gates (Philanthropy) As co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Melinda Gates has led efforts to combat global poverty, improve health care, and expand educational opportunities, particularly for women and girls, around the world 

Church and Religious Leadership can be considered as another example. Mother Teresa (Catholic Church) Known for her humanitarian work, Mother Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity and dedicated her life to helping the poor and sick. She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for her tireless work and devotion.

Bishop Desmond Tutu’s Daughter, Mpho Tutu Mpho Tutu, a prominent Anglican priest, became the first female Anglican priest in South Africa in 2004 following in the footsteps of her father, Archbishop Desmond Tutu. She has worked for peace and reconciliation within her community.

Back home, first female Vice chancellor of University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Banku Obi, is a record breaker and a great achiever. She embodies the spirit of excellence. Under Prof. Obi’s visionary leadership, the University of Calabar, in Cross River State, Nigeria, has made significant strides in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment, inspiring a new generation of female leaders and change-makers.