International Women's Day 2024

International Women's Day is celebrated annually on the 8th of March. With well over a century of history and change, the first International Women's Day (IWD) was held in March 1911. IWD isn't country, group or organization-specific. It's a day of collective global activism and celebration that belongs to all those committed to forging women's equality.?

World-renowned feminist, journalist and activist, Gloria Steinem, reportedly once explained: "The story of women's struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights."

This International Women's Day, the theme is #InspireInclusion. This can take form in many activities. From recruiting and retaining diverse talent, to designing an infrastructure that supports women and girls.

"On an individual basis, it's important to understand, value and seek out the inclusion of women and girls. Additionally, sharing this knowledge, support and encouragement with others is key.

On an organizational or group basis, there are many ways to ensure the needs, interests and aspirations of women and girls are valued and included. Organizations and groups can #InspireInclusion through action in areas such as:

• forging women's economic empowerment
• recruiting, retaining and developing diverse talent
• supporting women and girls into leadership, decision-making, business and STEM
• designing and building infrastructure meeting the needs of women and girls
• helping women and girls make informed decisions about their health
• involving women and girls in sustainable agriculture and food security
• providing women and girls with access to quality education and training
• elevating women and girl's participation and achievement in sport
• promoting creative and artistic talent of women and girls
• addressing further areas supporting the advancement of women and girls" More information can be found using the link below:

Get Involved!

There is a range of events and webinars to attend, ranging from Celebrating Neurodiversity to Embodying Diversity. A range of in-person events are also taking place, to bring the community together and spread the word with a personal approach. A list of events you can attend, or support, can be found here.

This year, International Women's Day is asking everyone to strike the #InspireInclusion pose to show solidarity. When we truly value difference, inclusion comes from the heart.

Inspire others to help forge an inclusive world by sharing your #InspireInclusion image across social media using #IWD2024 #InspireInclusion.

Submit an #InspireInclusion image and statement here.

At the IOEE, we hold diversity and inclusion close to our hearts, empowering a vast range of entrepreneurs and enterprise professionals from all walks of life. We are happy to be supporting International Women's Day, by Inspiring Inclusion and championing women in education and employment.