International Women's Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.

The United Nations began celebrating International Women’s Day (IWD) on the 08th March during International Women’s Year in 1975. In 1977, the UN General Assembly then invited member states to proclaim March 8 as the UN Day for Women's Rights and International Peace.

Since then commemoration of the day has become a rallying point to build support for women’s rights and participation in the political and economic arenas. Increasingly, International Women’s Day has become a day to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities.

The theme for International Women’s Day 2019, which will take place on 8 March, is “Think equal, build smart, innovate for change”.

The theme will focus on innovative ways in which we can advance gender equality and the empowerment of women, particularly in the areas of social protection systems, access to public services and sustainable infrastructure.