Without gender equality today, a sustainable tomorrow is impossible

Continuing to examine the opportunities, as well as the constraints, to empower women and girls to have a voice and be equal players in decision-making related to climate change and sustainability is essential for sustainable development and greater gender equality

The theme for International Women's Day, 8 March, 2022 (IWD 2022) is, "Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow", recognizing the contribution of women and girls around the world, who are leading the charge on climate change adaptation, mitigation, and response, to build a more sustainable future for all.

Advancing gender equality in the context of the climate crisis and disaster risk reduction is one of the greatest global challenges of the 21st century. The issues of climate change and sustainability have had and will continue to have, severe and lasting impacts on our environment, economic and social development. Those who are amongst the most vulnerable and marginalized experience the deepest impacts. Women are increasingly being recognized as more vulnerable to climate change impacts than men, as they constitute the majority of the world's poor and are more dependent on the natural resources which climate change threatens the most.

At the same time, women and girls are effective and powerful leaders and change-makers for climate adaptation and mitigation. They are involved in sustainability initiatives around the world, and their participation and leadership results in more effective climate action. Continuing to examine the opportunities, as well as the constraints, to empower women and girls to have a voice and be equal players in decision-making related to climate change and sustainability is essential for sustainable development and greater gender equality. Without gender equality today, a sustainable future, and an equal future, remains beyond our reach. The United Nations Observance of International Women's Day under the theme, "Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow", will be marked by a high-level virtual (TBC) event on Tuesday, 8 March 2022, 10–11.30 a.m. EST. The Secretary-General of the United Nations, the President of the General Assembly, the Chair of the Commission on the Status of Women, the Executive Director of UN Women as well as gender equality and climate change activists and celebrities will participate. The event will be followed by a high-level panel discussion and musical performances. The theme for International Women's Day is aligned with the priority theme for the upcoming 66th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW66): "Achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls in the context of climate change, environmental and disaster risk reduction policies and programmes".

Indian National Women's Day is observed every year on 13 February to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sarojini Naidu. This year Nation celebrates its 143rd Birth Anniversary. She was born on February 13, 1879. She was famous for her nickname 'Nightingale of India' or 'Bharat Kokila' because of her poems. Sarojini Naidu is well-known across the globe for her contributions to literature.

From 1975 onwards, the United Nations selected March 08 to be International Women's Day. But in India National Women's Day is celebrated on February 13, the day Sarojini Naidu was born in 1879. She was vocal about women's rights, women's suffrage rights, etc. Thanks to her struggles, the Indian National Congress agreed for the Universal Suffrage in 1931.

Why February 13?

Sarojini Naidu, born in Hyderabad and educated in Cambridge was the powerful face of Women in the Indian Independence struggle. Sarojini Naidu was born on February 13, 1879. Anti-imperialistic, Universal Suffragist, Women rights activist Mrs. Naidu paved the path for women's movements in India. Indian Nightangle Sarojini Naidu shines both as an activist and as a poet. In 1925 Sarojini Naidu became the president of the Indian National Congress. Sarojini Naidu was one of the forefront leaders who led the Civil Disobedience Movement and the Quit India Movement. When she graces the United Provinces as Governor in 1947, she rewrites the history by becoming the first woman to hold the office of Governor in the Dominion of India.

For Women's Rights, suffrage and representation in organizations and assemblies she established Women's India Association in 1917. Given the exemplary work she did for the upliftment and empowerment of women in India, poet, and politician Sarojini Naidu's birthday is regarded as Women's Day in India.

Purple is a color for symbolizing women. Historically the combination of purple, green and white to symbolize women's equality originated from the Women's Social and Political Union in the UK in 1908. Purple signifies justice and dignity. Green symbolizes hope. White represents purity but is no longer used due to 'purity' being a controversial concept. So, make International Women's Day your day and do what you can to truly make a positive difference for women.