International Women's Day in Zambia is a significant event that brings attention to the various socio-political issues that women face in the country. As a public holiday, it's observed every year on March 8th. This day presents an opportunity for Zambians to highlight the advancements made in women's rights, honour the milestones achieved by women, and to call for greater gender equality. It's an occasion when the Zambian government, civil society organizations, and citizens come together to reflect and act upon issues affecting women in Zambia.
Numerous activities mark the celebrations, reflecting the theme of the year as stated by the United Nations. Activities can range from peaceful demonstrations, awareness campaigns, discussions, workshops, cultural performances to fund-raising for gender-related causes. It's also common for Zambian companies to host events that promote gender equality within their organizations, while schools often dedicate the day to educating students about women’s rights and the importance of gender equality in society.
On this significant and powerful day, women are often recognized for their achievements without regard to their national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, or economic background. Across Zambia, International Women's Day serves as a reminder to everyone that gender equality is crucial to a country's development. It's a national public holiday where both women and men participate, and it upholds Zambia's commitment to promoting women's equality and empowerment.