The United Nations (UN) International Women’s Day (IWD) is annually observed across the globe on 8 March to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day aims to renew collective commitment to accelerate women’s equality.
- IWD aims to recognise the achievements of women regardless of their national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic, or political distinctions.
Theme:
i.The 2024 theme of IWD is, “Invest in women—accelerate progress.”
- The theme aligns with the priority theme of the upcoming UN 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW 68), “Accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective.”
ii.The campaign theme for IWD 2024 is Inspire Inclusion.
Note: The CSW 68 will be held from 11 to 22 March 2024 in New York City, United States of America (USA).
Background:
i.In 1975, during the International Women’s Year, the UN began celebrating 8 March as International Women’s Day.
ii.In December 1977, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a resolution and proclaimed the 8 March of every year as UN Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace.
iii.The UN officially recognised IWD for the 1st time in 1977.
History:
i.IWD celebrated on March 8th is associated with the women’s movement during the Russian Revolution in 1917.
- By 1917 a vast number of women were working in factories, both in munitions and replacing conscripted men.
ii.Women in Russia chose to protest and strike for “Bread and Peace” on the last Sunday in February in the Julian calendar (which fell on 8 March on the Gregorian calendar).
iii.Russia used the Julian calendar before the 1917 Revolution. On 14 February 1918, Russia officially adopted the Gregorian calendar.
- In 1917, Russia’s February 23rd aligned with March 8th in other European countries using the Gregorian calendar.
iv.The Gregorian calendar was instituted by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582 to rectify errors in the Julian calendar.
Significance:
i.The 2024 observance focuses on exploring pathways for greater economic inclusion for women and girls.
ii.It emphasises the importance of ensuring equal opportunities for women and girls and aims to empower them to enhance their capabilities and take on leadership roles.
iii.5 Key areas needing joint action are:
- Investing in women, a human rights issue;
- Ending poverty;
- Implementing gender-responsive financing;
- Shifting to a green economy and care society;
- Supporting feminist change-makers.
Note: The USD 360 billion annual deficit in gender equality measures by 2030 demands immediate attention.
2024 Events:
The Official UN IWD commemoration was held in the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Chamber on 8 March 2024.
PM Modi Announces Rs 100 Reduction in LPG Cylinder Prices
On the occasion of International Women’s Day 2024 (8 March 2024), Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, announced a reduction of Rs 100 reduction on the price of Liquefied Natural Gas (LPG) cylinder with effect from midnight.
- This decision aims to ease financial strains on households, the reduction is projected to notably benefit millions across India, especially empowering ‘Nari Shakti’ (women power).
- Making cooking gas more affordable, also aims to support the well-being of families and ensure a healthier environment.
Continuation of Targeted Subsidy for PMUY Beneficiaries:
i.The Union Cabinet on 7 March 2024 approved the continuation of a targeted subsidy of Rs. 300 per 14.2 kg cylinder for up to 12 refills per year for Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) beneficiaries during FY25.
ii.The total expenditure for FY25 is estimated to be Rs.12,000 crore, reflecting the government’s commitment to ensuring sustained support for PMUY beneficiaries.
iv.In October 2023, the government increased the targeted subsidy to Rs. 300, up from Rs.200 earlier, per 14.2 kg cylinder for up to 12 refills per annum.
