International Women’s Day is celebrated every year on March 8. It’s a global 
event with the UN setting an annual theme. There is no single organization or group that controls or manages the celebration or activities to be held.
So what is it about? Let’s take a look at the significance of this day – the 8th of March, and how this Women’s Day impacts you and me.
History and timeline of International Women’s Day
The core reason for celebrating Women’s Day every year is to commemorate the movement for women’s rights. You’ll find a very detailed timeline here, but I’d like to mention the most remarkable milestones.
- Feb 28, 1909 – The first official Women’s Day held in New York City.
- March 8, 1914 – First time that Women’s Day was held on this date, and has been since all over the world.
- March 8, 1975 – United Nations officially celebrates International Women’s Day.
- March 8, 1996 – UN starts adopting annual theme for Women’s day.
What’s special about these dates and actions is not seen so much in the lines, but between them. In between these dates, women all over the world have won the right to vote, the same freedom and rights guaranteed to them by their country’s constitutions as do men.
Article 14 of the Indian Constitution guarantees “Equality before law for women.” In fact, the Constitution not only grants equality to women, but also has given the government the right to adopt measures that provide for positive discrimination in favor of women (Article 15 (3)).
Now comes the question of what is the impact of this day this year, and what it means for you and me. The Constitution already safeguards the rights of women, as it does the basic freedom and rights of every citizen. Perhaps it’s time for women to stop celebrating the fight for Women’s Rights and talking about your rights – it’s an accepted fact and a mission very well accomplished.
It’s time now to look beyond to what women, having secured their rights, can do better for themselves and for others, and take on the responsibility for that. And that brings us to March 8, 2018. The theme for this year is “Time is Now: Rural and urban activists transforming women’s lives.”
Our business centers in Bangalore have hundreds of startups and SME businesses, many of which are founded and run by women entrepreneurs. We’re very proud of their spectacular success, and we do everything we can to support them and provide them with everything they need to grow even more.
Based on their success, and the experience gained by us supporting these women entrepreneurs, here’s a list of tips that might help you succeed in your own business.
Tips for women entrepreneurs looking for startup success
- Hire people solely on merit, without discriminating on the basis of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth or any of them – it’s the law.
- Provide a workplace that is safe and family-friendly, with easy access to public transportation that reaches every corner of the city.
- Support ideas and startups providing solutions to hardships that women endure.
