The history of International Women's Day dates back over a century, with its roots in the early 20th-century labour movements in North America and Europe. The first National Woman's Day was observed in the United States on February 28, 1909, in honour of a garment workers' strike in New York where women protested against poor working conditions. Inspired by this event, women across the world began to organize and advocate for their rights.

Over the years, International Women's Day has evolved into a global movement, with millions of people coming together to celebrate women's achievements and to call for gender equality. It serves as a reminder of the progress that has been made, but also as a call to action to address the challenges that women still face in many parts of the world.

One of the key themes of International Women's Day is empowerment. Empowering women and girls is not just the right thing to do, but it is also essential for the social, economic, and political development of communities and nations. When women are empowered, they are better able to participate in decision-making processes, access education and healthcare, and contribute to the economy.

Here are some personal examples of how we can all raise each other up and support one another:

1. Amplify Women's Voices: Actively listen to women's experiences and perspectives, and amplify their voices. Share their stories on social media, promote their work or initiatives, and give them space to speak and be heard in meetings and discussions. For instance, highlight the achievements of women in your workplace or community to ensure their contributions receive the recognition they deserve.

2. Mentorship and Networking: Offer mentorship and networking opportunities to women. Share your expertise and guide women who are starting in their careers. Additionally, facilitate connections between women in your network, helping them build relationships and support systems that can be invaluable in advancing their careers and goals.

3. Advocacy and Allyship: Be an advocate for women's rights and a supportive ally. Speak out against sexism and discrimination, stand up for women who are marginalized or silenced, and challenge harmful stereotypes and biases. Take meaningful action to create change and support women in their fight for equality.

4. Financial Support: Support women-owned businesses and initiatives by purchasing their products and services, investing in their ventures, or donating to organizations that work towards economic empowerment for women. By directing your financial resources toward supporting women's economic independence, you can help create opportunities for them to thrive and succeed.

5. Education and Skill-Building: Encourage and support women and girls in pursuing education and skill-building opportunities. Provide access to scholarships, training programs, and workshops, and volunteer your time and expertise to mentor women who are seeking to further their education or develop new skills.

6. Create Safe Spaces: Foster safe and inclusive spaces where women feel comfortable expressing themselves, sharing their experiences, and seeking support. Listen to their concerns, take their feedback seriously, and work towards addressing any barriers or challenges they may face in accessing opportunities and resources.

By actively engaging in these actions and supporting each other in our personal and professional lives, we can all contribute to building a more equitable and inclusive society where women are empowered to thrive and succeed. Together, we can make a difference and create a world where every woman and girl has the opportunity to reach her full potential. Happy International Women's Day!