Zimbabwe joins the rest of the world today in commemorating the International Women’s Day, reflecting on the obstacles that women face and the strides they have made in pursuit of gender equality and equity.

International Women’s Day is observed on March 8, every year to remember and celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women around the world.

Every year, this day is observed with a special theme that celebrates the achievements of women and paves the way for their development in the future. This year’s theme: “Inspire, Inclusion” encourages everyone to recognize the unique perspectives and contributions of women from all walks of life, including those from marginalized communities.

The day tells us to support women’s voices, drive positive change in aspects of equality and dismantle gender stereotypes!

Speaking at a media conference in Harare yesterday, Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said women’s immense contribution towards achieving many goals was invaluable. “Women around the world have shattered glass ceilings, broken barriers, and proven overwhelmingly that they are capable of achieving greatness in every field. Their contributions to society, culture, science, politics, and the economy are invaluable. Yet, in spite of these achievements, we still have a long way to go in ensuring factual equality for all,” she said.

On another note, nine women will sit in the House of Assembly when the first Parliament of Zimbabwe convenes. This is a key development, as the role of women is being appreciated and recognised. The inclusion of women in all spheres of society including politics is a significant progress that is being keenly pursued globally.

Timed to this day, Netflix also unveiled several new, female-focused series and films from Africa, with the goal of “shining the spotlight on” the “remarkable achievements” of female creators from the region. Leading female members of the Nigerian film community came up together in Nigeria on Wednesday, March 6 for a “Her Voice, Our Story” International Women’s Day event, organized in collaboration with Mo Abudu of EbonyLife TV, to celebrate African women in the creative industries.

UNIQUE AND THOUGHTFUL GIFT IDEAS FOR THIS DAY:
Explore these gift ideas that go beyond the traditional, aiming to surprise, delight, and empower:

• Personalised artwork: Commission an art piece that reflects her personality, passions, or dreams.
• Customised jewellery with a message: Engrave a piece of jewellery with a meaningful message, date, or coordinates to a special place.
• Leather diary: A personalised leather diary can be an excellent gift for Women’s Day. It’s a place where she can jot down her thoughts, ideas, and dreams. You can personalise it with her name or initials to make it extra
• Customised puzzle: Create a puzzle from a favourite photo or a memorable place, offering a personal touch to a classic pastime.
• Adventure day: Plan a day full of activities she loves but rarely gets to do, like skydiving, scuba diving, or a hot air balloon ride.
• Wellness retreat: A day or weekend retreat focused on mindfulness or spa treatments can provide a rejuvenating break.

THE ORIGINS OF WOMEN’S DAY: can be traced back to the early 20th century, marked by women’s movements advocating for better working conditions, suffrage, and social equality. The first National Woman’s Day was observed in the United States on February 28, 1909, following a declaration by the Socialist Party of America. In 1910, during the International Conference of Working Women held in Copenhagen, Clara Zetkin proposed establishing an annual Women’s Day to advocate for women’s rights and suffrage. The proposal was met with unanimous approval, leading to the first International Women’s Day being celebrated in 1911 by over a million people across Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE DAY: This day aims to bring attention to the ongoing fight for gender parity.  It highlights the challenges and discrimination women still face in areas like equal pay, access to education, and leadership opportunities. Most importantly, the day is a crucial platform to celebrate women’s achievements, raise awareness about existing inequalities, and advocate for a future where women have equal rights and opportunities.

Wishing all a very Happy Women’s Day 2024!