March 8 is recognised as International Women's Day around the world. This year's theme for Women's Day is, ‘DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality’, meaning the focus will be on how the gender gap in the digital world affects the escalating economic and social inequalities.
In support of women's rights and global peace, the UN General Assembly declared March 8 as International Women's Day in 1977. The United Nations first observed International Women's Day in 1975. Since then, the UN has decided on the theme every year.
This day is important because it honours women's accomplishments, promotes gender parity and gender equality, generates money for several charities that support women, and opens a conversation about the issues women face.
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International Women’s Day 2023 Theme
The International Women's Day (IWD) celebration by the UN honours and praises the women and girls who are leading the charge for the development of transformational technologies and digital education. IWD 2023 will examine how growing economic and social disparities are impacted by the digital gender gap. The event will also draw attention to the significance of defending the rights of women and girls in online environments and dealing with gender-based violence on digital platforms.
The UN is planning a high-level event to provide a chance to emphasise the role of all stakeholders in enhancing access to digital tools. A distinguished panel discussion and musical performances will be part of the event.
Women's Day provides a chance to evaluate achievements, advocate for change, and honour the bravery and tenacity of everyday women who have made tremendous contributions to the history of their nations and communities.
37 percent of women say they never go online. Despite making up over half of the world's population, there are 259 million fewer women than men who have access to the Internet.
Women's opportunities to pursue careers in fields related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are reduced if they are unable to access the Internet and do not feel secure doing so. This is because they are unable to acquire the digital skills required to participate in digital spaces. 75 percent of jobs by 2050 will be in STEM fields. Yet, just 22 percent of roles in artificial intelligence are held by women today.
When women are involved in technology, more innovative ideas and inventions that support gender equality and cater to the needs of women are produced. Contrarily, their exclusion has significant financial consequences.