Happy Women's Day 2021 Live: To women, today and always! (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)Happy Women’s Day 2021 Live Updates: Every year, International Women’s Day is observed on March 8 to celebrate women, their rights and their achievements. IWD began in the 1900s, and according to its website, “a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality”.
On the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to salute the spirit of women. “Saluting our indomitable #NariShakti on International Women’s Day! India takes pride in the many accomplishments of the women of our nation. It is our Government’s honour to be getting the opportunity to work towards furthering women empowerment across a wide range of sectors.,” he tweeted.
International Women’s Day has been celebrated for over a century now. But while many people think of it as a feminist cause, its roots lie in the labour movement. It was first organised in 1911 by the early 20th century Marxist from Germany Clara Zetkin who was born in 1857 in Germany’s Wiederau.
She trained as a teacher and was also associated with the Social Democratic Party (SPD) — one of the two major political parties in the country today. She was a part of both the labour movement and the women’s movement.
In the 1880s, when anti-socialist laws were enforced, Zetkin went into self-exile in Switzerland and France. During this time, she wrote and distributed proscribed literature, and met leading socialists of the time. She also played a significant role in the formation of the Socialist International.
Upon her return to Germany, she became the editor of Die Gleichheit (‘Equality’) — SPD’s newspaper for women — from 1892 to 1917. As part of the Party, Zetkin was also closely associated with the far-left thinker and revolutionary Rosa Luxemburg. In 1910 — three years after she became a co-founder of the International Socialist Women’s Congress — Zetkin proposed at a conference that Women’s Day be celebrated in every country on February 28.
The conference comprised 100 women from 17 countries, with unions, socialist parties, working women’s clubs and female legislators unanimously approving the suggestion. Women’s Day was observed for the first time in 1911.
Two years later, in 1913, the date was changed to March 8, and it continues to be celebrated as such every year.
"We trained together, we worked together, we didn’t really look at each other as men and women, we just looked at each other as medical professional colleagues and, in uniform, as officers," said Dr Kanitkar in an interview with indianexpress. Read more here
Here's what he said
According to a study done by dating app OkCupid, where the data was gathered by asking questions on the app itself, it was found that only 28 per cent of women can choose freely for themselves. Read more here
Here's a strong-worded message from the model and 2019 pageant winner
Saluting women healthcare workers on International Women's Day, Union minister Smriti Irani said their unequivocal contribution played an important role in India's fight against coronavirus. "There is No HERO Without HER! The spread of COVID-19 brought to the fore selfless and determined role of #NariShakti during the crisis. This Women's Day, we salute our 6 million+ women health workforce for their unequivocal contribution in India's fight against Corona.@WHO," the Women and Child Development minister said.
Kareena Kapoor Khan shared a strong message on the occasion while holding her newborn
Ahead of International Women’s Day, some female photographers from around the world — using their iPhone 12 models — had reflected on the theme of gender and how being a woman in 2021 influences their work. The collection of photographs of inspiring women with infinite talent promotes the notion of sisterhood, and encourages self-reflection. Take a look at some of these striking images here.
Dr Deepthi Ashwin, a senior obstetrician and gynecologist at Fortis La Femme Hospital, Richmond Road, Bengaluru talks about some important health issues that women ought to know about. Read more here
Here's s what Esha Deol said
"Being a psychologist mom, the expectations run high," writes Dr Shwetambara Sabharwal. "But, I make sure I stay human and realistic with my parenting goals. 'To err is human, to forgive divine'. This Alexander Pope saying is my go-to mantra for every parenting glitch; although I think he was talking about forgiving others, I use it mostly for myself." Read more here.
Take a look at what designer Suzanne Khan wrote on Instagram.
Time fo There is nothing better than inspiring words from women who have achieved it all. Read more here
How do women entrepreneurs find time for themselves? This International Women’s Day, Jayashree Narayanan eached out to some of them to know how they push their boundaries and also keep their calm. Entrepreneurship is a challenging journey, more so for women who are significantly underrepresented in the space, she writes. Read more here.
Happy Women's Day from the actor-singer
A critical step towards supporting both well-being and career advancement can come from employers and organisations. Some ways to achieve these twin objectives could include — though not be limited to — flexible working, mentorship specifically for women, and creating an environment free of unconscious biases, writes Organizational Psychologist Nikita Singh. Read more here.
Taking to Instagram, Suchitra wrote on why we should make each other feel valued!
Mandira Bedi who is active on Instagram wished her fans and followers on the occasion
Here are some specially curated wishes on the occasion
Happy International Women’s Day 2021: Wishes Images, Whatsapp Messages, Status, Quotes and Greetings
Take a look!
International Women’s Day has been celebrated for years now, and while many people think of it as a feminist cause, its roots lie in the labour movement. It is celebrated every year on March 8. On this joyous day, have you wished all the women in your life?
*You are fierce, bold, and daring! Also, the best when it comes to caring. Happy Women’s Day!
Celebrate the joy of being a woman and wish the women in your life with such heartwarming messages. Read more here.