On Monday, March 8, people around the world celebrated International Women’s Day. According to the International Women’s Day Development Agency, this year’s theme was ‘Women in Leadership: Achieving an Equal Future in a COVID-19 World.’ The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the inequalities women face on a daily basis. According to the World Economic Forum, economic disruptions from the pandemic have caused many women to stay at home to care for their children, the elderly, and the sick. Especially during the age of virtual learning, mothers are staying home to assist in their children’s success. In addition, women disproportionately belong to industries that are predicted to decline due to the pandemic. Thus, nations must address these inequalities and recognize the old and new barriers assigned to women. Civilians used International Women’s Day to begin this conversation. 

International Women’s Day was founded among these same ideals and goals. According to the International Women’s Day Development Agency, 15,000 women marched together in 1908 in the streets of New York City, N.Y. to call for shorter hours, better pay, and voting rights. Now, in 2021, women are still fighting for their rights. In particular, women are still fighting for better pay, as the gender wage gap continues to exist and was highlighted with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite safety restrictions, civilians still found ways to adapt and continue pushing forward with the movement. 

On the International Women’s Day website, civilians were able to attend a number of virtual events based on their state. Some events held in N.Y. included “Women in International Law,” “Women of the World Culture Connect,” and “Lean in Agile New York March Spiral.” In “Women of International Law,” the International Law Society at Indiana University Maurer School of Law hosted a Women in International Law panel that featured guests from the ABA, Norton Rose Fulbright, and the Kelley School of Business. The panel focused on the challenges faced by women entering the field of law, and it also gave career advice to women that was tailored to the ongoing pandemic. 

In addition to virtual events, the International Women’s Day Development Agency, according to their website, launched social media campaigns. They created the #ChooseToChallenge campaign that sought to challenge and identify gender bias and challenge to create a more inclusive environment. In this campaign, advocates posted pictures of themselves with one of their hands held up high to show support and solidarity. Users can see the IWD 2021 gallery online that features civilians around the world holding their hands up high to advocate women’s rights. 

Following a successful and somewhat unprecedented International Women’s Day, the fight for gender equality continues. The International Women’s Day Development Agency fights year round for social, economic, cultural, and political equality for women and celebrates milestones along the way. To get involved in this ongoing campaign, visit the IWD Development Agency Website to find ways to get involved, donate to female-focused charities, or snap a picture of yourself with your hand held high and post it on your social media with the hashtag #ChooseToChallenge.