International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on March 8. The purpose of International Women’s Day is to raise awareness of the enormous influence that women have had and will continue to have on society. However, International Women’s Day is also a time to recognise the prejudice that women continue to experience in the workplace and beyond.
Every year, a specific topic is chosen to highlight the contribution of women in all aspects of life. This year’s United Nations theme is “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality.” The theme underlines the importance of technology in promoting rights, but also how a widening digital gender gap is affecting everything from women’s employment prospects to their online safety.
According to the International Women’s Day website, the theme for International Women’s Day 2023 is Embrace Equity or #EmbraceEquity.
Here are some quotes from influential women that encapsulate the spirit of the day.
Draupadi Murmu, President of India
“If women are empowered, there is more development in society. Women lead with empathy and care, and they would give a new dimension to the developmental journey of the country.”
Arundhati Bhattacharya, Chairperson & CEO Salesforce India
“There is a big opportunity to ensure balance. I think it’s a long journey. On that journey, it is important to involve all stakeholders, be they women or men. The balance is important.”
Sheikha Jawaher Khalifa Al Khalifa, Bahrain Royal Family
“When women are empowered, they can participate fully in the workforce and contribute to economic growth. This can lead to a more prosperous society as a whole, with higher standards of living for all.”
Rekha Sharma, Chairperson of the National Commission for Women in India
“When we talk about a power shift, power doesn’t mean going to work, it means that even if she is earning or being home, she has a say and make a choice of her own. “
Ritu Beri, fashion designer
“We as women, need to empower ourselves and make our voices heard at workplaces as well as homemakers.”
Sudha Reddy, Director of the MEIL Group Of Industries
“The challenges faced by women in Indian society are self-explanatory. I have developed skills that have helped me navigate through the challenges and make a mark in the industry. I believe in never stop learning and challenging myself.”
Vidya Basarkod, MD, India, Ramboll
“If you have the merit, competency, and desire to perform, the change in power will give long-term results. The most eligible and qualified person should be holding the power.”
Michelle Obama, Former First Lady
“No country can ever truly flourish if it stifles the potential of its women and deprives itself of contributions of half its citizens.”
Antoinette Sayeh, Deputy Managing Director, IMF
“At times of crises, gender‑balanced leadership is even more important, not just in terms of diverse decision-making, but also in avoiding measures that may disproportionately impact women. So, we need to seriously examine the role of women as finance leaders.”
Tulsi Gabbard, US Politician
“We stand tall and honour our mothers who came before us and our daughters who will come after us and know that as the arrows come flying for speaking the truth and saying there is such a thing as a woman, let those arrows fall off your coat of armour and remember that those attacks come from a place of weakness, insecurity, and fear.”