International Women’s Day: Its History and Ways to Make a Difference

06/03/25

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Each year, March 8 marks International Women’s Day (IWD), a global celebration of women’s achievements. This day is also celebrated as a way to remind all of us that we all have a collective responsibility to advance gender equality. Women’s Day in India also sees companies, governments, institutions, and other stakeholders reaffirm a collective commitment to empowering women. Women’s Day in India is also most visible in its message of participative support. Everyone has a role to play in advancing gender equity. From individuals in local communities to businesses and policymakers, we all have a role to play.

A reminder of India’s women empowerment

The United Nations officially recognised March 8 as International Women’s Day in 1977. In India, the women’s rights movement is deeply tied to India’s history of independence and social reform. Indian women have continuously shaped initiatives that champion education, entrepreneurship, and leadership opportunities for women.

India’s progress in women’s empowerment

India has taken many steps to enable women to excel in education, employment, leadership, and entrepreneurship. In education and skill development, the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (Save the Girl Child, Educate the Girl Child) initiative has significantly increased the enrollment of girls in schools. Scholarships and vocational training programs are enabling women to enter skilled professions and bridge the gender gap in traditionally male-dominated sectors. Women-led businesses are being supported by initiatives such as the Mudra Yojana, which provides collateral-free loans to women entrepreneurs. The growing Self-Help Group (SHG) network is fostering financial independence for women in rural India.

India has also seen an increase in the participation of women in governance, with several states implementing a 33% or higher reservation for women in local bodies. Women-led governance at the Panchayat level is leading to improved health, education, and infrastructure.

Ways to make a difference on International Women’s Day

One of the most powerful ways to drive change is to donate for girl child education, and to support organisations that work towards women’s empowerment. NGOs play a crucial role in providing education, healthcare, vocational training, and legal aid to women, especially those in underserved communities. Organisations like Bal Raksha Bharat (Save the Children India) are actively working to bridge educational gaps for girls, support maternal and child health, and provide protection from exploitation. When you donate for girl child education, you directly contribute to breaking cycles of poverty and enabling young girls to build better futures.

Volunteer for women’s empowerment initiatives

Volunteering is an impactful way to support the empowerment of women and girls. Many organisations provide opportunities to mentor young girls, teach vocational skills, or provide professional guidance. To get involved, you can consider mentoring young women through career guidance programmes or volunteering at NGOs that provide education, healthcare, or legal aid to women. You can also help organise community awareness drives on health, hygiene, and financial literacy for women.

Read Also : The Fate of a Girl Child in India

Support women-led businesses

Women entrepreneurs play a vital role in India’s economy. Today, they are leading businesses in a variety of sectors – from fashion to technology, from sustainable products to handicrafts. Supporting these businesses directly strengthens financial independence among women. To support them, purchase from women-owned brands and local artisans. You can also promote their businesses through social media and word-of-mouth and encourage corporate entities to source products and services from women-led enterprises.

Bal Raksha Bharat, a leading child protection NGO, upholds the principles of International Women’s Day by actively working towards the empowerment, protection, and education of women and girls across India. It integrates gender equity into its core initiatives, ensuring that young girls have access to quality education, proper healthcare, and a safe environment to thrive. Through its programmes, which are focused on girls’ education, maternal and child health, vocational training, and protection from exploitation, Bal Raksha Bharat addresses the barriers that prevent women from achieving their full potential. This child protection NGO also works for policy changes that strengthen women’s rights, workplace equality, and leadership opportunities.

Anikait Suri