By: Sandra Thompson
NFBPWC’s International Chair, international@nfbpwc.org  

March 8 is International Women’s Day.   The theme this year is Inspire Inclusion.   

When women themselves are inspired to be included, there's a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment.  With well over a century of history and change, the first International Women's Day (IWD) was held in March 1911. IWD isn't country, group or organization specific. It's a day of collective global activism and celebration that belongs to all those committed to forging women's equality.  

World-renowned feminist, journalist and activist, Gloria Steinem,reportedly once explained: 

"The story of women's struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights." 

The following is from the International Women’s Day Website - 

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. 

To truly include women means to openly embrace their diversity of race, age, ability, faith, body image, and how they identify. Worldwide, women must be included in all fields of endeavor. 

On an organizational or group basis, there are many ways to ensure the needs, interests and aspirations of women and girls are valued and included. Organizations and groups can #InspireInclusion through action in areas such as: 

• forging women's economic empowerment 

• recruiting, retaining and developing female talent 

• supporting women and girls into leadership, decision-making, business and STEM 

• 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 

Are you in? Will you inspire inclusion? 

Strike the #InspireInclusion pose to show solidarity. When we truly value difference, inclusion comes from the heart. 

Inspire others to help forge an inclusive world by sharing your #InspireInclusion image across social media using #IWD2024 #InspireInclusion.