What's the theme of International Women's Day 2022?
International Women's Day, which recognises the achievements of women and promotes the cause of gender equality, will be held for the 111th time on Tuesday.
Observed annually on 8 March, International Women’s Day is a celebration of the “social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women”, the official Women’s Day website explains. “The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity,” it adds.
UN to focus International Women's Day 2022 on impact of climate change
First held in 1911, International Women’s Day was recognised by the United Nations in 1975. Since 1996, the UN has given the day an annual theme, which this year will be ‘gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow’.
In a statement, the UN said: “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.
“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.”
#BreakTheBias
Meanwhile, the International Women’s Day website has also named its own theme for 2022, which will be ‘#BreakTheBias’.
“Imagine a gender equal world,” the Women’s Day website reads. “A world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women's equality. Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias.”
As part of the theme, people are being encouraged to strike a #BreakTheBias pose, which involves crossing your arms in front of your chest. You can take a photograph of yourself adopting the pose - either alone or in a group - and submit the image to the International Women’s Day website, which is publishing selected photos.
International Women's Day: what's happening in 2022?
International Women’s Day is an official holiday in a number of countries. According to the Women’s Day website, these include Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, China (women only), Cuba, Georgia, Guinea-Bissau, Eritrea, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Madagascar (women only), Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Nepal (women only), Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam and Zambia.
International Women's Day rallies, bike rides...
International Women’s Day is traditionally marked with rallies and strikes. Around the world, protests have been organised either for Tuesday 8 March 2022 itself, or for the days leading up to it. Here is a selection of some of the demonstrations that have taken place already:
Other events held so far have included bicycle rides and awards ceremonies:
Women's Climate Strike
Tying in with the UN’s 2022 theme focusing on the impact of climate change on women, 'Women’s Climate Strike' protests have also been scheduled to coincide with International Women’s Day, under the slogan ‘The Wait of the World’. “Women carry the weight of the climate crisis and the burden of waiting for the world to act […],” the Women’s Climate Strike’s website says. “We therefore call on all women to take climate action on International Women’s Day.”
Virtual UN event
Amid the ongoing covid-19 pandemic, there are many online events, too. Notably, the UN is holding a virtual International Women’s Day observance, which it says is “in recognition of women and girls who are leading the charge on climate change adaptation and response, and to honour their leadership and contribution towards a sustainable future.”
The event, which takes place from 10am to 11:30am ET on Tuesday, will feature addresses by a variety of speakers, as well as music. You can watch it on UN Web TV.
Search for International Women's Day events
You’ll find a directory of talks, round tables, seminars and many other kinds of events going on across the globe on the International Women’s Day website.