International Women’s Day 2025

Miscellaneous

International Women’s Day is observed annually on March 8.

Historical Origin: Declared by Vladimir Lenin in 1922 to honor women's role in the 1917 Russian Revolution
UN Recognition: Officially acknowledged in 1977
2025 Themes
- UN Theme: “For All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”
- Official IWD Theme: “Accelerate Action.”
Significance in 2025: Marks 30 years of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a key framework for global women’s rights.

Constitutional Provisions
- Article 14: Equality before the law
- Article 15: Prohibits discrimination based on sex
- Articles 39 & 42: Focus on equal pay, maternity relief, and employment opportunities
- Article 51(a)(e): Encourages elimination of practices derogatory to women

Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (2023): Reserves one-third of seats in Lok Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, and Delhi Assembly for women
Sex Ratio Improvement: 1020 females per 1000 males (NFHS-5)
Maternity Leave Extension: 26 weeks of paid leave
3.2 Crore Sukanya Samruddhi Yojana accounts opened
72% women ownership under PM Awas Yojana Gramin
Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) reduced to 97/lakh live births (2018-20) from 130/lakh (2014-16)
Permanent Commission for Women Officers in 12 military arms/services
Women as Agniveers: Entry into all three-armed services

Mission Shakti (2021-2025): Strengthens women’s welfare, safety, and empowerment
Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao: Promotes education and welfare of girls
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana: Encourages financial security for girl children
PM Matru Vandana Yojana: Maternity benefit scheme for women
Poshan 2.0: Focuses on women’s nutrition and immunity
WISE-KIRAN (2018-2023): Supported 1,962 women scientists
Nari Shakti Puraskar: Recognizes outstanding contributions of women
Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017: Ensures 26 weeks of paid maternity leave for women in private and government sectors