What is International Women’s Day?

On Friday 8 March, the world will come together to celebrate International Women’s Day.

The campaign theme for 2024 is ‘Inspire Inclusion’.

“When we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, we forge a better world,” IWD wrote on their website.

“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.”

8 March is a day that is celebrated globally, and annually, dating back to the early 1900s.

Ahead of Friday’s celebration, we’re taking a look back on the origins of IWD and why it is so significant.

• USWNT defender Naomi Girma on championing representation and inclusion
• Women that changed sport: Billie Jean King

Why is International Women’s Day celebrated on 8 March?

The significance of this date can be traced back to the early 20th century when women’s movements across Europe and the United States gained prominence.

In 1908, on the date that is now synonymous with IWD, female textile workers in New York City marched in protest of ‘unfair working conditions and unequal rights for women.’

On the same day workers also marched through the Lower East Side to protest against child labour and working conditions.

Two years later, in 1910, 8 March became annually observed as we know it today.

The date was not formalised until a war-time strike in 1917, when Russian women demanded “bread and peace.”

While that happened on 23 February according to the Julian calendar, it fell on 8 March according to the Gregorian calendar - providing another compelling case for the use of this date.

Russian women gained the right to vote as a result of these protests, with over 40,000 people taking to the streets in favor of universal suffrage.

However, it wasn’t until 1975 that IWD gained official recognition, at least in the United States, as the United Nations began acknowledging the date and subsequently setting themes for each annual campaign. The first theme was dubbed: “Celebrating the past, Planning for the future.”

How sportswomen have championed equality

Women have long been at the forefront of sports throughout the 20th century, with the fight for equality seeing them in the limelight more and more as the years go on.

However, this wasn’t always the case, as sports were once considered primarily for men.

The very first modern Olympic Games unfolded in 1896 with strictly male competitors. It wasn’t until 1900 that 12 female athletes competed in the games, aiming to change the narrative.

Despite initial resistance to the idea of women participating in sports, their persistence helped pave the way for many formidable athletes we know and love today.

There is an endless number of athletes who have sparked significant change, including four-time gold medalist Fanny Blankers-Koen, who challenged the notion that childbirth meant the end of a career. After welcoming a baby boy, she returned to athletics and set world records in the long jump and high jump.

Tennis has been at the forefront of many high-profile icons, namely the likes of Venus and Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka - though none as influential to the women’s game than that of Billie Jean King.

Her infamous ‘Battle of the Sexes’ clash against Bobby Riggs was watched by 50 million viewers in the United States and 90 million worldwide, marking a truly game-changing moment for the sport.

Lately football has been one of the sports really championing change, ith players like USWNT defender Naomi Girma aiming to remove the stigma around mental health, and her international teammates, both past and present, advocating for equal pay.

The fight for equality and inclusion doesn’t end with these names, but will carry on through the up-and-comers inspired by the legends that came before them.

How can you celebrate International Women’s Day in 2024?

Wondering how you can celebrate this year’s International Women’s Day? There’s plenty to get involved in not just on the day, but across the month.

IWD encourages all to get involved, whether that is virtually or in person.

Here, you can find a list of all the official IWD 2024 events, which range from women in sport to women in business, and much more.

From Australia to the States and the United Kingdom, the global array of events ensures plenty of people can get involved throughout the month as well as just 8 March.

Olympic Channel TV Unveils Special Programming Lineup for International Women’s Day 2024

In honour of International Women’s Day 2024, Olympic Channel TV proudly announces a captivating celebration of women in sports throughout the month of March. Prepare to be enthralled by an array of inspiring and unforgettable Olympic Games performances, where women have etched their names in history as sporting legends.

Join us for an exhilarating journey during the first weekends with our exclusive "Women Go Gold" marathon. Immerse yourself in 48 hours of non-stop action as we relive the golden moments of Olympic Games past, showcasing the remarkable achievements of women athletes.

As the month culminates, we invite you to witness the grace, skill, and passion of women athletes in Rhythmic and Artistic gymnastics. Experience the fusion of emotion and technique in our "Best of Gymnastics" marathon, featuring highlights from the latest Olympic Games and accompanied by our most captivating original series.

Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the indomitable spirit and unparalleled achievements of women in sports. Tune in to Olympic Channel TV throughout March and join us in honoring these extraordinary athletes who continue to inspire generations worldwide.

For more information and the complete programming schedule, visit https://olympics.com/en/live/