International Women's Day 2023: everything you need to know!

Happy International Women's Day! International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated annually on March 8. In the early days, the main focus of this annual ‘event’ was improving women's rights, especially women's suffrage, While the day itself now generally stands for the assertiveness and feeling of solidarity of women around the world; the IWD celebrations are often centred around a specific theme, like 'ending violence' or 'equal rights, equal opportunities'. 

Since International Women’s Day is celebrated this month, we thought this would be the perfect time to reflect on this important day and the strong women who fought for the rights that make us strong independent women today! At TopVintage, where women make up 80% of employees, we also commemorate this day every year. Powered and created by women is at the core of who we are and what we do and that’s how we try to inspire women to be strong, creative, fabulous and most importantly to simply be themselves. 

“There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish” - Michelle Obama

What is the history of International Women’s Day?

International Women’s Day has a long and rich history. The idea for an international women’s day was put forward during an International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen in 1910, a conference attended by over 100 women from 17 different countries. However, the (feminist) seeds of it were planted two years earlier in 1908, when a large number of women who worked in the garment industry marched through New York City demanding shorter working hours, better pay and the right to vote. An event still famous to this day and which marked the beginning of women’s emancipation and of the fight against discrimination of women..

“I raise up my voice - not so that I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard.” - Malala Yousafzai

Women's suffrage 
After the massive strike in New York, everyone was suddenly talking about women's suffrage. In the years leading up to World War I, protests and meetings were held in a number of countries that centred around women’s suffrage. After all, why didn’t women have the right to vote? Surely women’s votes are just as important?! 

With the rise of the feminist movement in the 1960s, March 8 was officially designated International Women's Day in many socialist countries. Things were made official in 1975 (which was International Women’s Year) when International Women’s Day was observed by the United Nations for the first time and it has been celebrated on that date ever since. Two years later, in December 1977, the General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming a United Nations Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace to be observed on any day of the year by Member States, in accordance with their historical and national traditions.

Today, thanks to the strong and especially courageous women who fought for women’s rights, women are in a much stronger position. Especially in developed countries the gender gaps have narrowed. But the progress toward gender equality differs greatly across the globe and the fight is far from over.

On the one hand, International Women's Day is a day to celebrate how far women have come in society, in politics and in economics, but on the other hand it’s also a day when strikes and protests are organised to raise awareness of continued inequality and the battles women continue to fight to this day. Through protests awareness is raised for a whole range of issues that impact women and women’s rights around the globe. The issues highlighted include the predicament of female prisoners of conscience and of victims of torture and (domestic) violence and the intimidation, threats, violence and other abuses against women human rights defenders. But issues like discrimination, racism, economic independence and empowerment are also addressed. And that is just as well, because if history has taught us anything, it is that if women join forces, they are unbeatable.

“You must never be fearful about what you are doing when it is right.” - Rosa Parks

International Women's Day 2023

The United Nations’ theme for International Women’s Day 2023 is, “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality”. According to the UN, the theme of this year’s IWD “recognises and celebrates the women and girls who are championing the advancement of transformative technology and digital education. IWD 2023 will explore the impact of the digital gender gap on widening economic and social inequalities”.

But there are also other themes for IWD 2023. For example, The International Women's Day website has chosen the global campaign theme #EmbraceEquity with organisers and events seeking to "challenge gender stereotypes, call out discrimination, draw attention to bias, and seek out inclusion".

Want to take part in this year’s celebrations for International Women’s Day? Be sure to check out the events scheduled in your town, city, region or country and join in! 

What do you do to feel empowered? 

Female empowerment can manifest itself in many different ways. Where some are very vocal and inspire others, there are also those who are more focused on setting the right example. What many may not realise, is that you can already be part of the Women's Rights Movement by making full use of your rights and opportunities. Show the world that you are a strong independent woman, pursue your ambitions and follow your dreams. Top this can-do attitude off with a strong look, for example by wearing a super feminine outfit paired with a gorgeous hair-do and a pair of killer heels and no one will dare to stand in your way. 

“The most alluring thing a woman can have is confidence.” - Beyoncé

Get your empowerment outfit from our collection

What type of outfit makes you feel empowered? Do you feel powerful in an edgy jumpsuit or do you prefer a feminine dress? Will you opt for sexy pumps or for a pair of fabulous boots? Whatever your power look is, you are guaranteed to find it in our collection!