The campaign theme for International Women's Day 2024 is Inspire Inclusion. When we inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion, we forge a better world. And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there's a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment. Collectively, let's forge a more inclusive world for women.

Get involved for IWD 2024

With well over a century of history and change, the first International Women's Day (IWD) was held in March 1911. IWD isn't country, group or organisation specific. It's a day of collective global activism and celebration that belongs to all those committed to forging women's equality. 

World-renowned feminist, journalist and activist, Gloria Steinem, reportedly once explained: "The story of women's struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organisation but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights."

So together, let's all help fight the good fight. All IWD activity is valid, that's what makes IWD so inclusive. Join in and make IWD your day by doing what you can to support and advance women.

Committing to inspire inclusion

When women aren't present, we must ask: "If not, why not?" When women are discriminated against, we must call out poor practice. When the treatment of women is not equitable, we must take action. And we must do this each time, every time.

Everyone everywhere can inspire inclusion

Organisations, groups, and individuals worldwide can all play a part - in the community, at work, at home, and beyond. To truly include women means to openly embrace their diversity of race, age, ability, faith, body image, and how they identify. Worldwide, women must be included in all fields of endeavour.

How will you inspire inclusion?

On an individual basis, it's important to understand, value and seek out the inclusion of women and girls. Additionally, sharing this knowledge, support and encouragement with others is key.

On an organisational or group basis, there are many ways to ensure the needs, interests and aspirations of women and girls are valued and included. Organisations and groups can #InspireInclusion through action in areas such as:

• forging women's economic empowerment
• recruiting, retaining and developing female talent
• supporting women and girls into leadership, decision-making, business and STEM
• designing and building infrastructure meeting the needs of women and girls
• helping women and girls make informed decisions about their health
• involving women and girls in sustainable agriculture and food security
• providing women and girls with access to quality education and training
• elevating women and girl's participation and achievement in sport
• promoting creative and artistic talent of women and girls
• addressing further areas supporting the advancement of women and girls

Who can participate in IWD?

Remember, all IWD activity is valid. Collectively, anyone can participate through whatever activity is most relevant and impactful for their own context. Everyone everywhere can build on IWD's century-plus history to help forge positive change for women and girls. That's why IWD is inclusive, not exclusive.

Content sourced from International Women’s Day (internationalwomensday.com).