International Women’s Day 2020: Women Who Inspire Us

On Sunday, men and women across the United States and the world will take time to honor the accomplishments and contributions of the women in their lives.

March 8 is International Women’s Day, a global movement that celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality.

Governments, companies and individuals around the world are paying more attention to gender equality, but progress is slow and uneven, according to a report by the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development. Much remains to be done to increase women’s rights, opportunities and participation at work, at home and in their communities.

Here’s a quick look at the work we still need to do, according to the World Economic Forum’s 2020 Global Gender Gap report:

• The United States ranks 53rd out of 153 countries in working toward gender parity.
• Globally, countries on average are 68.6 percent of the way to meeting gender parity goals.
• The largest gender gap is political — women occupy only 25 percent of political positions, and parity is only 24.7 percent achieved.
• Globally, 36 percent of senior private-sector managers and public-sector officials are women.
• On average, only 55 percent of adult women are in the workforce versus 78 percent of men.
• On average, the gender gap will be closed in about 100 years across all 107 countries included in the report. In North America, it will be 151 years.

But women and men around the world are stepping up to do their part to accelerate gender equality and shine a light on women’s issues.

In the comments, tell us about an inspiring woman who has left her mark on your community or in your own life.

In the last year, women around the world accomplished firsts, blazing new paths for those who came after them, while others fought for their own important causes.

At only 16 years old, Greta Thunberg became the face of the battle against climate change.

The U.S. Women’s soccer team won the Women’s World Cup and continues to battle the U.S. Soccer Federation for equal pay.

Nancy Pelosi, the first woman ever to become speaker of the House of Representatives in 2007, assumed the post a second time in 2019.

Christina Koch and Jessica Meir made headlines when they participated in the first all-female spacewalk.

Michelle Obama's memoir "Becoming" shattered records, reaching and maintaining the No. 1 spot on Amazon for 47 days.

Danica Roem made history in November when she became the first openly transgender person to win re-election to a state legislature.

We could go on, but we want to hear about the women who inspire you most.

History Of International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day has been observed for well over a century, according to the movement’s website, with the first IWD gathering in 1911 supported by more than 1 million people. Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere; it is not specific to a country, group or organization.

This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #EachForEqual, drawn from the concept of collective individualism — in other words, the theory we are all parts of a whole and that how we act, talk, behave and think affect society at large.

The theme also draws attention to the idea that gender inequality isn’t a women’s issue but an economic one — gender equality is essential for economies and communities to thrive.

Record numbers of groups and men supporting equality took part in International Women's Day events in 2019, according to the movement’s website.

This year, cities throughout the United States will hold International Women’s Day events. Those interested in hosting an event can submit a request on the movement’s website.