What is International Women's Day?
International Women's Day on 8 March is a day to celebrate the social, economic and political achievements of women, reflect on progress and demand gender equality. For over a hundred years, International Women's Day has put the spotlight on issues affecting women all over the world.
Why do we need an International Women's Day?
People participate in International Women's Day in many different ways and for many different reasons. But a common goal is gender equality.
What happens on International Women's Day?
In some countries, children and men give presents, flowers or cards to their mothers, wives, sisters or other women they know. But at the heart of International Women's Day lies women's rights. Across the world, there are protests and events to demand equality.
The future
There is still a lot of work to be done for gender equality. Sometimes we lose important rights and go backwards with the progress we have made. But women's movements all over the world are still fighting for equality, and new generations are joining them.
To read more about International Women's Day, go to
https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/general-english/magazine-zone/international-womens-day
Over to you
- Is International Women's Day celebrated in your country?
- What do people do on this day?
- Have things changed for women in your country?
Tell us in the comments! If you want to practise speaking, you can record your response using SpeakPipe voice recorder and post a link to the recording in your comment.
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International Women's Day is been celebrated in my country. On this day, people generally wish women and give gifts to them. The main issue faced by women is that they still lack equality in every place. These issues are changing day by day and have a big step ahead.
Hi poorna,
Thanks for your comment. I think that what you say is true in many countries in the world - we've come a long way but there is still a lack of equality in so many areas.
Happy International Women's Day for 8 March!
Best wishes,
Jo (LearnEnglish team)