Historically, International Women’s Day has its roots in the labor movement of the early 20th century. It started as a socialist political event, and the first International Women’s Day was celebrated on March 19, 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. In 1975, the United Nations officially recognized March 8th as International Women’s Day. Now, International Women’s Day is celebrated every year on March 8th to recognize the social, economic, cultural, and political achievement of women around the world. It is also a day to call for gender equality and to raise awareness the challenges that women face in their daily lives.
Each year, International Women’s Day has unique theme. The theme is often used to highlight a particular issue or challenge facing women around the world. The theme for International Women Day 2023 was DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality. International Women’s Day is celebrated in many ways around the world. Some people participate in marches or rallies to raise awareness about women’s right issues. Others organize events such as panel discussion, film screenings and art exhibitions. Many organizations also use International Women’s Day as opportunity to launch campaigns or initiatives focused on gender equality.
To honor womanhood, the MAHSA Group of Companies held a celebration of International Women’s Day at MAHSA University Bandar Saujana Putra Campus, with the presence of Prof. Tan Sri Datuk Dr. Hj. Mohamed Haniffa bin Hj. Abdullah. The event featured a discussion panel with notable panelists such as Ms Kokila Vaani (Selangor Bar 1st Female Chair), Ms Priyaa Simmi (Mrs. Malaysia World 2019-2021), Prof Dr. Rosnah binti Mohd Zain (Dean and Professor, Faculty of Dentistry), Dato Dr. Anitha Haniffa (Consultant General and Laparoscopic Surgeon) and Datin Dr. Maya (Aesthetic Doctor) to make the event livelier. During the event, one of the panelists addressed the importance of balancing a career and family life, as support from family is crucial to a woman’s success. Moreover, Mrs. Malaysia World, Ms. Priyaa Simmi, shared her personal story of triumph and highlighted the significance of gender equality for a healthy society. The event was successfully gave a fantastic opportunity to understand and learn about current issues affecting women, how they have risen to challenges and found solutions to empower themselves and celebrate the achievements and accomplishments of women embracing equity at all levels.
Word by: Dr Nur Fauwizah Azahar
