International Women’s Day (IWD) is around the corner and this time the campaign theme for IWD 2021 is “Choose to challenge.”

International Women's Day 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. International Women's Day has occurred for well over a century with the first gathering held in 1911. To this day, marked annually on March 8th, International Women's Day (IWD) is one of the most important days of the year to:

• celebrate women's achievements
• raise awareness about women's equality
• lobby for accelerated gender parity
• fundraise for female-focused charities

IDW group has decided the theme for this year as “ChooseToChallenge”. The #choosetochallenge campaign theme of this year is more personal. Meaning, you can choose what you can stand and what you cannot. Having the freedom to choose is somehow tricky because it calls for accountability and liability on one’s part. That is why we sometimes go with the flow without questioning the decision or path laid down for us by others. Above all challenging something or even ourselves is hard. Most of the time we succumb to self-doubt and other’s idea of how we should look, be or behave in life. So, let's challenge ourselves, and stand against inequality, discrimination, and biases. Then we will be better humans, fit to live in the better society that we all created.

In addition to that, UN Women announced the theme for International Women’s Day (IWD 2021) as, “Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world.” The theme celebrates the tremendous efforts by women and girls around the world in shaping a more equal future and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many women stand at the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis, as health care workers, caregivers, innovators, community organizers, and as some of the most exemplary and effective national leaders in combating the pandemic. Women leaders and women’s organizations have demonstrated their skills, knowledge, and networks to effectively lead in COVID-19 response and recovery efforts. Today there is more acceptance than ever before that women bring different experiences, perspectives, and skills to the table, and make irreplaceable contributions to decisions, policies, and laws that work better for all.  

 Which color symbolizes International Women's Day (IWD)? 

Hint: It’s not pink! 

Purple, green, and white are the colors of International Women's Day. Purple signifies justice and dignity. Green symbolizes hope. White represents purity, albeit a controversial concept. The colors originated from the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) in the UK in 1908. 

 What one can do to mark the day on a personal level? 

Appreciating the women in your life, respecting, and celebrating their choices will check all the above-mentioned points if not some. You can mark this important day by gifting jewelry. Jewelry in general reflects woman’s individualism. Moreover, the saying, ‘Diamond is a girl’s best friend’ is there for a reason. You can gift the woman in your life any jewelry, but a Diamond is always the safest bet. Here in Queens Diamond & Jewelry, you can find pieces of jewelry that complement any woman’s personality be it traditional or contemporary. 

Planning to gift her something that she likes?

She likes anything you gift her with love. If you are confused, below are some jewelry styles that are evergreen and with some personal touch make a perfect gift idea.

You can go with the idea of a simple silver bracelet to a diamond necklace according to your budget. In most cases, people buy bracelet as it is called a symbol of friendship. A simple classic bracelet is the best option for international women’s day. Pendants are the second option, in which you can gift your mom, sister, teacher, senior colleague to show them respect for what they have done for you and how much thankful you are about it. We should not miss the necklaces, because it’s the perfect gift that we can gift to our partner, girlfriend, and wife to remind them how much they mean to us. 

You have something in your mind that you don’t find in the store to buy. You can customize jewelry and gift someone so that the uniqueness of your gift will always remind them about you. Queens Diamond & Jewelry offers customized jewelry option and help you bring you design idea from imaginary to real jewelry.

What one can do to mark the day at the community level?

The theme, “Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world.” celebrates the tremendous efforts by women and girls around the world in shaping a more equal future and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. But the crisis has highlighted both the centrality of t contributions and the disproportionate burdens that women carry.

We can honor these girls and women who work as a frontline in combating COVID-19. Having said that, we can also recognize and appreciate the institution or woman, or a leader involved in a woman's right; gender issues; human rights, advocacy, lobbying, and projects. 

Because, in addition to persistent pre-existing social and systemic barriers to women’s participation and leadership, new barriers have emerged with the COVID-19 pandemic. Across the world, women are facing increased domestic violence, discrimination, and biases. In the current scenario, to uphold women’s rights and fully leverage the potential of women’s leadership in pandemic preparedness and response, the perspectives of women and girls in all their diversity must be integrated with the formulation and implementation of policies and programs in all spheres and at all stages of pandemic response and recovery.

We as a member of society, can appreciate these woman’s hard work and encourage them to overcome the hardship that pandemic has brought upon. It has never been a better time to motivate and appreciate a woman to create an equal and just society for ourselves and our future generation. Our Queens Diamond & Jewelry family #choosetochallenge the person, philosophy, or actions that undermine Woman’s capability based on gender, age, religion, and race.  

What are you choosing to challenge on this International Women’s Day (IWD 2021)?

Comment below so that others can get inspired by your ideas and actions for this day. 

Author: Dipika Dhakal,  Subi Gurung and Unisha Joshi