What is International Women’s Day?
International Women’s Day is a day celebrated every year on 8 March to recognise women and their contributions to families, workplaces, and society. It is a time to appreciate the strength, care, and achievements of women in everyday life, whether at home or outside it.
This day also reminds us that everyone deserves respect, equal opportunities, and the freedom to follow their dreams. International Women’s Day is not about blaming or criticising but about learning, supporting one another, and encouraging positive change.
People across the world mark this day through conversations, community events, and simple acts of appreciation. At its heart, International Women’s Day is a gentle reminder to value women’s voices, celebrate their journeys, and work together towards a fair and inclusive world.
When is International Women's Day Celebrated?
International Women’s Day is celebrated every year on 8 March. This year, it falls on Sunday, 8 March. This date was chosen to honour a historic moment in 1917, when women came together to demand better rights, fair treatment, and safer working conditions. Over time, 8 March became a global symbol of women’s voices, resilience, and collective progress.
The day signifies respect, equality, and appreciation for women in all walks of life. It is also a reminder to support women’s health, well-being, and opportunities at every stage of life.
Healthcare organisations play an important role on this day by spreading awareness about women’s health issues, encouraging regular health check-ups, promoting preventive care, and creating safe spaces for open conversations. Through education and care, the healthcare community helps empower women to live healthier, more confident lives.
International Women's Day History & Origin
The history of International Women’s Day goes back more than a hundred years and began as a call for fairness and dignity. In the early 1900s, many women across the world were working hard but had very few rights. They came together to ask for better working conditions, fair pay, and the right to be heard.
In 1910, leaders from different countries agreed to dedicate a special day to recognise women and their struggles. A few years later, events in 1917, when women peacefully protested for better lives, helped make 8 March an important date. Over time, this day grew into a global celebration.
Today, International Women’s Day honours the journey of women—past and present—and celebrates progress while encouraging kindness, understanding, and equal opportunities for all.
International Women's Day Theme 2026
For International Women’s Day 2026, the main global theme used by the United Nations and many official campaigns is: “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls” — this theme focuses on making sure women everywhere can actually enjoy their rights, have fair treatment under the law, and see real change in their everyday lives, not just words on paper.
- “Rights” means women should have the same legal protections and freedoms as men.
- “Justice” highlights the need for fair systems that protect women from violence and discrimination.
- “Action” calls on governments, communities, and individuals to do something—big or small—that helps make equality real.
For decades, women's healthcare was often narrowed down to reproductive health. Today, the focus has expanded to address the "silent" barriers: nutritional gaps, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and mental health.
The Government of India has launched several flagship initiatives to bridge these gaps:
- Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan (2025-2026): Launched as part of the Viksit Bharat vision, this intensified campaign focuses on the early detection of breast and cervical cancers, anemia, and lifestyle diseases like diabetes. It moves beyond hospitals by setting up over one lakh health camps at the grassroots level.
- Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) Expansion: This remains the foundation of healthcare "Justice." In 2026, the scheme continues to provide a health cover of ?5 lakh per family, but with a renewed emphasis on "gender-sensitive" packages. It ensures that financial constraints don't prevent women—especially those in female-headed households—from accessing life-saving surgeries and tertiary care.
- Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0: Recognizing that "Rights" start with nutrition, this initiative has been upgraded to use digital tracking for adolescent girls and pregnant women, targeting the root causes of stunted growth and chronic anemia.
- Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY): This scheme provides direct cash incentives to pregnant and lactating mothers, ensuring they can afford the "Action" of resting and seeking medical care during critical periods.
Why is International Women's Day Important?
International Women's Day serves as a global reminder of women's invaluable contributions to society and the ongoing need for gender equality and empowerment. International Women's Day creates momentum for progress that extends far beyond March 8th. Here's why this day remains profoundly important for our society.
- Promoting Gender Equality: True equality means ensuring women have the same rights, opportunities, and respect as men in every aspect of life—from education and employment to healthcare and decision-making roles. This day encourages individuals and institutions to examine their practices, challenge discriminatory norms, and take concrete steps toward fairness—whether through fair wages, equal leadership opportunities, or respectful workplace cultures. Small, consistent actions rooted in the principles celebrated on this day accumulate into meaningful systemic change that creates a more just and inclusive world for all.
- Celebrating Women's Achievements: Women often go unrecognised or undervalued in public discourse. International Women's Day provides a dedicated platform to acknowledge and celebrate women's remarkable accomplishments, the barriers they've overcome, and the positive impact they've made on their communities and beyond. By highlighting women's progress and success stories, we inspire younger generations, challenge limiting stereotypes, and reinforce that women's potential is boundless. This celebration also honors the everyday heroism of women who balance multiple roles while advancing their families' and communities' well-being.
- Raising Awareness About Women's Health: Women's health is intrinsically linked to their empowerment, yet it remains underprioritised in many communities due to cultural taboos, limited access to information, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure. International Women's Day creates a vital opportunity to open conversations about women's physical and emotional well-being without shame or hesitation. By prioritising women's health awareness, we empower women to take control of their well-being and recognise that healthcare is a fundamental right essential to their overall empowerment and life satisfaction.
Women's Health Challenges Across Life Stages
Women's health needs evolve significantly throughout their lifetime, with each stage presenting unique physical, emotional, and social challenges. From the formative teenage years to the transformative changes of menopause and beyond.
- Adolescent Health and Nutrition: Young girls face unique challenges including hormonal changes, growth spurts, nutritional deficiencies, and social pressures that can affect their physical and mental development. Artemis Hospitals provides specialised adolescent health services that address nutritional needs, educate girls about their bodies, offer counseling for emotional well-being, and empower them to make healthy choices that establish strong health foundations for their adult years.
- Reproductive and Maternal Health: Women's reproductive health journey—from managing menstrual cycles to pregnancy and childbirth—requires expert medical care. We provide health services including gynecological care, fertility counseling, high-risk pregnancy management, safe delivery services, and postpartum support, ensuring women receive expert guidance through this transformative period and recover well to enjoy their motherhood journey.
- Menopause and Healthy Ageing: Menopause marks a significant transition in a woman's life, bringing hormonal changes that can impact physical health, emotional well-being, and quality of life. Symptoms like hot flashes, mood changes, bone density loss, and sleep disturbances require informed management and professional support. Regular health check-ups, hormone-level monitoring, bone density screening, and lifestyle modifications help women navigate this phase smoothly.
Role of Healthcare in Empowering Women
When women have access to quality medical care, preventive services, and mental health support, they can overcome health barriers that might otherwise limit their personal, professional, and social potential. Here's how comprehensive healthcare supports women's empowerment at every stage of life.
- Preventive Health Screenings: Regular health screenings are one of the most powerful tools women have to take charge of their wellness. Early detection of conditions like breast cancer, cervical cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases can prevent serious complications and improve treatment outcomes significantly. Artemis Hospitals offers comprehensive screening packages designed specifically for women, including mammography, ultrasounds, blood tests, and gynaecological assessments.
- Mental Health and Emotional Well-Being: Women's healthcare must address the mind as much as the body, as mental health directly impacts overall quality of life. Healthcare providers should create safe, non-judgemental spaces where women feel comfortable discussing anxiety, depression, stress, hormonal changes, and life challenges. Artemis Hospitals recognises that emotional support is essential during critical life stages—from adolescence and motherhood to menopause and beyond—providing counselling to help them navigate life transitions with confidence and resilience.
- Lifestyle and Wellness Support: Sustainable health comes from balanced living, and healthcare professionals play a vital role in guiding women toward healthier choices. Personalised guidance on nutrition, age-appropriate fitness routines, stress management techniques, and sleep hygiene empowers women to build habits that support long-term wellness. Artemis Hospitals provides comprehensive lifestyle counseling through nutritionists, fitness experts, and wellness coaches who work with women to create realistic, sustainable plans that fit their individual circumstances, helping them achieve physical strength, mental clarity, and overall vitality for a fulfilling life.
Ways to Celebrate International Women's Day
International Women's Day is more than just a celebration—it's an opportunity to actively support women's empowerment and create meaningful change in our communities. Whether through workplace initiatives, health awareness, or supporting women-led causes.
- Workplace and Community Initiatives: Creating inclusive environments where women feel valued and heard is fundamental to celebrating International Women's Day. Organizations can host panel discussions featuring accomplished women leaders, recognize women's achievements through awards and appreciation events, and implement mentorship programs that foster professional growth.
- Health Awareness Programs: Women's health often takes a backseat in public discourse, making educational initiatives crucial during International Women's Day. Hospitals and health organisations can conduct free health screenings, wellness talks, and awareness sessions on topics like reproductive health, mental wellness, and preventive care. Artemis Hospitals organises specialised workshops and consultations that help women understand their health better, address common concerns, and overcome cultural hesitations around discussing health issues, ensuring women have access to reliable information and quality healthcare guidance.
- Supporting Women-Led Causes: Celebrating women means actively backing initiatives, businesses, and social enterprises led by women. Whether through purchasing from women entrepreneurs, volunteering with women's NGOs, or donating to causes championed by women leaders, these actions directly empower women and create economic opportunities.
How Artemis Hospitals Supports Women’s Health and Wellness?
Artemis Hospitals is committed to caring for women at every life stage. With specialised doctors, advanced diagnostic tools, and a patient-first approach, the hospital focuses on preventive care, personalised treatment, and emotional support—helping women feel informed, confident, and cared for on their health journey.
Article by Dr. Nidhi Rajotia
Unit Head - Obs & Gynae
Artemis Hospitals
Frequently Asked Questions
Who started International Women's Day?
International Women's Day emerged from the labor movement and women's rights activism in the early 1900s, with significant contributions from women labor activists and socialist movements advocating for equality and worker rights.
When was the first International Women's Day celebrated?
The first International Women's Day was celebrated in 1911 across Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland, following a decision made at the International Socialist Woman Conference in 1910.
What is the symbol of Women's Day?
The purple, green, and white colors and the mimosa flower are traditional symbols of International Women's Day, representing justice, hope, and the historical significance of the day.
What is the real meaning of International Women's Day?
International Women's Day celebrates women's social, economic, cultural, and political achievements while advocating for gender equality, women's rights, and empowerment across all spheres of life.
How can men support Women's Day?
Men can support Women's Day by promoting equal opportunities, challenging gender stereotypes, listening to women's experiences, and actively participating in creating inclusive workplaces and communities.
When is International Women's Day celebrated every year?
International Women's Day is celebrated on March 8th every year worldwide as a global celebration of women's contributions and a call for continued progress toward equality.
How can families encourage women's health and self-care?
Families can promote women's health by supporting regular health checkups, encouraging physical activity and nutritious eating, creating stress-free environments, and normalizing conversations about wellness and preventive care.
Why is maternal health important for women's long-term health?
Maternal health significantly impacts women's lifelong wellbeing, affecting physical recovery, mental health, and chronic disease prevention, making quality prenatal and postnatal care essential for long-term wellness.
Which hospital offers women's health checkups near me?
Artemis Hospitals provides comprehensive women's health checkups with specialized care tailored to address all aspects of women's health and wellness needs.
How can I book a women's health consultation at Artemis Hospitals, Gurgaon?
You can easily schedule a women's health consultation at Artemis Hospitals, Gurgaon by contacting the dedicated healthcare team on +91 98004 00498, who will guide you through the booking process and address your specific health concerns.
