International Women’s Day is an annual observance that highlights issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence against women. Celebrated on March 8, International Women’s Day has evolved into a focal point for the global women’s rights movement. It originated from early 20th-century labor movements in Europe and North America, and today, it is celebrated worldwide as a day of advocacy and action for gender equality.

History of International Women’s Day

The earliest recorded celebration of International Women’s Day dates back to February 28, 1909, in New York City, organized by the Socialist Party of America. This event marked the beginning of a movement that would inspire global change. In 1910, Clara Zetkin, a German socialist, proposed the idea of an international women’s day to promote equal rights, including women’s suffrage. The first official International Women’s Day was celebrated on March 19, 1911, across Europe, with over a million people participating in demonstrations.

The significance of International Women’s Day deepened in 1917 when women workers in Petrograd (now St. Petersburg, Russia) went on strike, demanding “Bread and Peace”—a protest that contributed to the Russian Revolution. In 1921, the Soviet Union officially adopted March 8 as International Women’s Day, a day to honor women’s role in the revolution. The holiday became widely recognized in communist countries and gained international prominence after the United Nations adopted it in 1977.

Today, International Women’s Day is celebrated globally, with the United Nations focusing each year on a particular theme related to women’s rights and empowerment. On 8 March 2025, join us to celebrate International Women’s Day under the theme, “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”

This year’s theme calls for action that can unlock equal rights, power, and opportunities for all, and a feminist future where no one is left behind. Central to this vision is empowering the next generation—youth, particularly young women and adolescent girls—as catalysts for lasting change.

Besides, the year 2025 is a pivotal moment as it marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. This document is the most progressive and widely endorsed blueprint for women’s and girls’ rights worldwide that transformed the women’s rights agenda in terms of legal protection, access to services, youth engagement, and change in social norms, stereotypes, and ideas stuck in the past.

Engage media, corporate leaders, governments, community leaders, civil society, youth, and others with influence to take action in your communities. Ask leaders to take action and invest in promoting women’s rights and gender equality. Share International Women’s Day stories and messages on digital platforms, using the hashtag #ForAllWomenAndGirls to spark dialogue and inspire action.

Women’s Role in Indian Families: A Pillar of Tradition and Change

In Indian families, women have long played multifaceted roles—daughter, sister, wife, and mother. Women are the backbone of family life, responsible not only for the physical care of the household but also for maintaining cultural traditions and passing on knowledge. Historically, Indian society has revered women as the “first gurus,” teaching children values, customs, and traditions that have been passed down through generations.

As daughters, women bring joy, warmth, and strength to their families. As sisters, they are confidantes and partners in navigating life’s challenges. As wives, they share the responsibilities of managing the household and raising children, and as mothers, they nurture, guide, and educate. These roles reflect the deep respect and significance women have had in Indian society for centuries.

In ancient Indian texts, women were worshipped as powerful beings, with the divine feminine force known as Shakti symbolizing the creative power of the universe. This reverence for women was central to Indian cultural and spiritual life. However, while these roles have been highly valued, women’s autonomy and opportunities for personal growth were often limited by societal norms.

Shifting Roles: Women in Modern Indian Families

Today, women in Indian families are taking on new roles as they contribute to the economy and occupy leadership positions across various sectors such as education, business, politics, and the arts. With rising access to education and legal reforms, women are stepping beyond traditional roles, balancing family responsibilities with professional aspirations. This shift reflects a changing mindset, where women are no longer confined to the domestic sphere but are now critical players in driving societal progress.

Women today are increasingly the primary earners in many households, particularly in urban India. In these households, there is a growing recognition of shared responsibilities—where both partners contribute to earning a living and managing the home. While women still shoulder a significant portion of domestic duties, they are making significant strides in achieving professional success.

Swami Vivekananda’s Views on Women

Swami Vivekananda, one of India’s most revered spiritual leaders, held profound views on women and their role in society. On 30 September 1893, an interview of Swami Vivekananda was published in the Boston Evening Transcript. In the interview, he was asked if he had plans to marry. His response was—“Why should I marry, when I see in every woman only the divine Mother? Why do I make all these sacrifices? To emancipate myself from earthly ties and attachments so that there will be no re-birth for me. When I die I want to become at once absorbed in the divine, one with God. I would be a Buddha.”

Vivekananda considered Sita as the ideal Indian woman, embodying purity, strength, and wisdom. He once stated, “The ideal womanhood of India is motherhood—that marvelous, unselfish, all-suffering, ever-forgiving mother.” He believed that the nation’s downfall began the day it started neglecting women.

On 19 March 1894, Vivekananda wrote a letter to Swami Ramakrishnananda (Shashi). In that letter he wrote

“Nowhere in the world are women like those of this country. How pure, independent, self-relying, and kindhearted! It is the women who are the life and soul of this country. All learning and culture are centred in them. The saying, ” या श्री: स्वयं सुकृतिनां भवनेषु—Who is the Goddess of Fortune Herself in the families of the meritorious” (Chandi)—holds good in this country, while that other, ” अलक्ष्मीः पापात्मनां—The Goddess of ill luck in the homes of the sinful” (ibid.)—applies to ours. Just think on this. Great God! I am struck dumb with wonderment at seeing the women of America. “त्वं श्रीस्त्वमीश्वरी त्वं ह्रीः etc. — Thou art the Goddess of Fortune, Thou art the supreme Goddess, Thou art Modesty” (ibid.),” “या देवी सर्वभूतेषु शक्तिरूपेण संस्थिता—The Goddess who resides in all beings as Power” —all this holds good here. There are thousands of women here whose minds are as pure and white as the snow of this country. And look at our girls, becoming mothers below their teens!! Good Lord! I now see it all. Brother, “यत्र नार्यस्तु पूज्यन्ते रमन्ते तत्र देवताः—The gods are pleased where the women are held in esteem”—says the old Manu. We are horrible sinners, and our degradation is due to our calling women “despicable worms”, “gateways to hell”, and so forth. Goodness gracious! There is all the difference between heaven and hell!! “याथातथ्यतोऽर्थान् ब्यदधात्—He adjudges gifts according to the merits of the case” (Isha, 8). Is the Lord to be hoodwinked by idle talk? The Lord has said, “त्वं स्त्रि त्बं पुमानसि त्वं कुमार उत वा कुमारी—Thou art the woman, Thou art the man, Thou art the boy and the girl as well.” (Shvetâshvatara Upa.)“

The Shvetâshvatara Upanishad teaches the non-dualistic nature of ultimate reality, transcending all distinctions of gender and form. The verse: emphasizes the divine, all-encompassing nature of the ultimate reality, which transcends gender and all other limitations. This verse reminds us that the ultimate truth is beyond all earthly distinctions, embodying both the masculine and feminine in their fullest, equal forms.

Swami Vivekananda’s Powerful Quotes on Indian Women and Womanhood

Here, we’ll make a collection of Swami Vivekananda’s quotes on Indian women and Indian womanhood:

“Every girl in India must aspire to be like Savitri, whose love could not be conquered by death, and who through this tremendous love snatched back from even Yama, the soul of her husband.”

“In India there are two great evils. Trampling on the women, and grinding the poor through caste restrictions.”

“In what scriptures do you find statements that women are not competent for knowledge and devotion? In the period of degradation, when the priests made the other castes incompetent for the study of the Vedas, they deprived the women also of all their rights. Otherwise, you will find that in the Vedic or Upanishadic age Maitreyi, Gargi, and others, ladies of revered memory, have taken the places of rishis through their skill in discussing about Brahman.”

“There is no hope of rise for that family or country where there is no estimation of women, where they live in sadness. For this reason, they have to be raised first.”

“It is very difficult to understand why in this country so much difference is made between men and women, whereas the Vedanta declares that one and the same conscious Self is present in all beings. You always criticize women, but say what have you done for their uplift?”

“Our women are not so learned, but they are more pure.”

“There is no chance for the welfare of the world unless the condition of woman is improved. It is not possible for a bird to fly on only one wing.”

“The highest of all feminine types in India is mother, higher than wife. Wife and children may desert a man, but his mother never. Mother is the same or loves her child perhaps a little more. Mother represents colourless love that knows no barter, love that never dies. Who can have such love? — only mother, not son, nor daughter, nor wife.”

“They (Indian women) have many and grave problems, but none that are not to be solved by that magic word ‘education’.”

“To all women every man save her husband should be as her son. To all men every woman save his own wife should be as his mother.”

“To make a beginning in women’s education: our Hindu women easily understand what chastity means, because it is their heritage. Now, first of all, intensify that ideal within them above everything else, so that they may develop a strong character by the force of which, in every stage of their life, whether married, or single if they prefer to remain so, they will not be in the least afraid even to give up their lives rather than flinch an inch from their chastity.”

“With five hundred men, the conquest of India might take fifty years: with as many women, not more than a few weeks.”

“Without Shakti (power) there is no regeneration for the world. Why is it that our country is the weakest and most backward of all countries? — Because Shakti is held in dishonour here.”

To the women of India

Swami Vivekananda’s suggestion to the Indian women

To the women of this country. . .  I would say exactly what I say to the men. Believe in India and in our Indian faith. Be strong and hopeful and unashamed, and remember that with something to take, Hindus have immeasurably more to give than any other people in the world

As we celebrate International Women’s Day today, it is crucial to recognize the invaluable contributions that women make to society. Women deserve to be respected, honored, and supported in all aspects of life. Equally important is the role women play in nurturing and uniting families. In this modern era, while embracing progress and change, it is essential for women to also uphold the traditional values that foster harmony and unity within the family. Rather than letting divisions arise, women have the power to strengthen the bonds that hold families together, creating a supportive environment for future generations. Let us all commit to respecting women and empowering them to continue fulfilling their roles with love, wisdom, and strength.

Empowering Songs to Celebrate Women’s Day

International Women’s Day is a time to honor the achievements, strength, and resilience of women around the world. Music has the power to inspire, empower, and bring people together, making it the perfect way to celebrate this special day. To help you mark the occasion, we’ve curated a list of songs that celebrate women, their strength, and their journeys. Whether you’re reflecting on your own personal growth or celebrating the amazing women in your life, these tracks will make you feel powerful and unstoppable.

JUNG by RJ Preeti

MOR by IKKA

Maguva Maguva by Sid Sriram

Nachdi Phira by Meghna Mishra

Dhaakad by Raftaar

Unstoppable by Sia

Duniya Mein Hum Aaye Hain by Lata Mangeshkar

O Ri Chiraiya by Swanand Kirkire

Rupaiya by Sona Mohapatra

Bekhauff by Sona Mohapatra

Ek tha kauvva by Srushti Tawde

Khol De Par by Arijit Singh

I Am Woman by Helen Reddy

Roar by Katy Perry

Aawara Bhawre by Hema Sardesai, Malaysia Vasudevan

This list of songs offers a powerful soundtrack for Women’s Day, filled with messages of empowerment, independence, resilience, and confidence. Whether you’re celebrating your own journey or honoring the amazing women in your life, these tracks will help you embrace your inner strength and continue to push for progress. So, turn up the volume, let the music fuel your spirit, and celebrate the incredible women around you.