International Women's Day: What Is International Women's Day And Why Do We Celebrate It?

International Women’s Day is observed on 8th March all over the world to celebrate the economic, social, political, and cultural achievements of women. This day also marks the call to action to accelerate gender parity.  It is a day to recognize the extraordinary acts of women and to stand together, as a united force, to advance gender equality around the world.

Women Achieving Equal Future In Covid-19

Women stand at the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis, as health care workers, caregivers, innovators, community organizers, and as some of the most exemplary and effective national leaders in combating the pandemic. The crisis has highlighted both the centrality of their contributions and the disproportionate burdens that women carry.

Let's celebrate the tremendous efforts of women and girls around the world in shaping a more equal future and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Colors of International Women's Day 

Do you know there are also colors to represent this day? The three colors are: green, purple and white. Purple signifies justice and dignity, green symbolizes hope and white represents purity, which was slightly married by controversy. The colors originated from the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) in the UK in the year 1908.

International Women’s Day and Healthcare 

This year, let us turn attention to these top issues concerning women’s health –

1. Breast Cancer: This is the most lethal cancer for women witnessed between the ages of 20-59 throughout the world. In the majority of cases, it doesn’t present with any complaint until it has reached an advanced stage where not much can be done from a medical perspective.

2. Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke: You might find it shocking that heart disease is at number one while stroke is the third most common cause of death among women around the world. Statistics are higher in low-income countries. In addition, Stroke also is one of the leading causes of long-term disability worldwide.

3. Osteoporosis: Is another significant issue faced by women post their 30s. Diet insufficient in calcium and less exposure to sun contribute to its cause resulting in brittle bones, prone to fracture. This is more prevalent in ethnicities where women are covered from head to toe due to religious beliefs.

4. Mental Health: In essence, women are more likely to develop an anxiety disorder and depression than men. They are also more likely to go through circumstances that give them PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder) like a disaster or domestic violence they have survived.

5. Malnutrition: Statistics show that half of the women in the whole world suffer from malnutrition. In many cultures, women also are the first ones to cut back on their food in case of a crisis. With undernutrition, vitamin deficiencies, or anemia they are likely to have low immunity levels and catch infections at the drop of a hat.

Nonetheless, whatever field today’s women are engaged in, multitasking comes naturally to them. Pulled in every direction between home, kids, family, extended family, and work commitments, it's the WOMAN in them that gets neglected the most. Amidst all the physical and hormonal changes that span through their lives, here are a few tips to help them stay fit both mentally and physically:

Your health is your key to happiness. No better way to usher in Women’s Day than to safeguard your wellbeing with a few preventive health care measures.