International Women’s Day 2024: When is it, what’s this year’s theme and how do I get involved?

Ahead of the return of International Women’s Day (IWD) on Friday (March 8) we’re taking a look at this year’s theme and the issues women are focusing on for 2024.

International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity and is a chance to fundraise for women-focused charities.

The event is the focal point of Women’s History Month which takes place over the course of March, and is an annual event that sees groups come together to celebrate women’s achievements or rally for women’s equality.

The day has been marked for more than a century and each year is given a theme, with this year’s being Inspire Inclusion. Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about International Women’s Day 2024.

What is the theme for 2024?

This year’s theme is ‘Inspire Inclusion’ with a focus on forging a more inclusive world for women.

The theme is in recognition of the countless women from all backgrounds and across all ages who continue to trailblaze in areas such as galvanising women’s economic empowerment and forging access for women and girls to have quality education.

Organisers say: “When we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, we forge a better world.

“And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there’s a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment. Collectively, let’s forge a more inclusive world for women.

“When women aren’t present, we must ask: “If not, why not?” When women are discriminated against, we must call out poor practice.When the treatment of women is not equitable, we must take action. And we must do this each time, every time.”

Organisers add that organisations and groups can ‘Inspire Inclusion’ by:

• Forging women’s economic empowerment

• Recruiting, retaining and developing diverse talent

• Supporting women and girls into leadership, decision-making, business and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics)

• Designing and building infrastructure meeting the needs of women and girls

• Helping women and girls make informed decisions about their health

• Involving women and girls in sustainable agriculture and food security

• Providing women and girls with access to quality education and training

• Elevating women and girl’s participation and achievement in sport

• Promoting creative and artistic talent of women and girls

• Addressing further areas supporting the advancement of women and girls

How can I get involved in International Women’s Day 2024?

There are a wide range of campaigns, events, rallies, lobbying and performances taking place this year.

In Manchester the annual Walk for Women is returning to the city centre the day after International Women’s Day on Saturday, March 9.

Walk for Women 2024 will begin on Mount Street behind Central Library (by the John Cassidy ‘Ardrift’ statue) and will then make its way to Albert Square before turning onto Brazennose Street and making a right to Deansgate. The final stop will be at Manchester Cathedral.

Hundreds of women along with family, friends and community members are set to take part in the walk to celebrate Manchester’s history of fighting for women’s rights and demonstrate their support for advancing women’s equality.

Attendees are encouraged to chant, cheer and bring along instruments they can bang as they walk. Participants are also asked to create banners and posters that convey why they are celebrating the women in their lives or the world over.

Organisers are also calling on those who would like to get involved to strike the Inspire Inclusion pose, a heart shape made with the hands, to show solidarity and that inclusion comes from the heart.

Those getting involved are also being asked to share images and videos online with the hashtags #InspireInclusion #WalkForWomen #IWDMCR and #IWD2024 to encourage others to be part of the movement.

Walk for Women 2024 will be on Saturday, March 9 from 12pm to 2.30pm and is free to attend.

To officially register attendance, online registration can be completed beforehand here.