International Women’s Day 2022

NADIRA TUDOR SHARES HER THOUGHTS ON INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2022


International Women’s Day is an occasion to celebrate the cultural, political, and socioeconomic achievements of women.

Whilst it’s wonderful to note the lives and success of so many wonderful people around the world, for me, it once again prompts a big question – probably THE big question – why does inequality between the genders still exist in 2022?



Why are we still having to have discussions about equality – shouldn’t equality be the ‘norm’? Over 40 years on from the U.K’s Equal Pay Act and over a hundred years on from what is recognised as the first International Women’s Day in 1911, why have we seen an increase in gender inequality across the world and, contradictorily, sometimes in those very places where we have seen progress in previously unimaginable ways?



When it comes to equality, we continue to live in a world full of conflict, contradictions, double-standards, illogicality and … I could go on, but what is clear is that we need International Women’s Day to at least highlight the positives, negatives and learn the lessons of history. It means a lot to me because true equality is essential for us ever to go forward as humans to achieve happiness and proper health. Equality – the problems and potential – be that race, gender, access to education, wealth disparities have occupied me throughout my life and career, as a journalist working across every continent with an incredibly diverse range of peoples and communities.



The International Women’s Day is an official holiday in a number of countries around the world including: Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belrus, Burkina, Faso, Cambodia, Cuba, Georgia, Guniea-Bissau, Eritrea, Kazakhstan, Laos, Madagascar, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Nepal and many, many more! However, it’s not an official holiday in the UK, but there are still lots of events to celebrate – so do look them up.



Traditions vary around the world, and some countries mark the day with men giving gifts to their sisters, mothers, friends and colleagues.

Mimosa Flower Blossom International Women's Day 2022 - Break the Bias
In Italy ‘la Festa della Donna’ is celebrated by offering the mimosa blossom
It’s a whole Women’s History Month in March in the US, extending the theme even further.



IWD as we know was born out of the labour movement and eventually was recognised officially by the United Nations in 1975, however, the concept started many years before. It’s thought that 15 000 women marching through New York City, because they were unhappy with their wages, not having the right to vote and demanding shorter working hours, might have been the birth, with National Woman’s Day being declared officially by the Socialist Party of America in 1909.



A woman called Clara Zetkin was responsible for suggesting that the day become international and eventually, the actual date – 8th March – was formalised in 1917, instigated by a war-time strike by Russian women demanding ‘bread and peace’.



I believe progress is being made, the United Nations theme this IWD 2022 is “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow” and I certainly hope that all of us have an equal role and voice in that tomorrow. The aim is to recognise the contribution of women and girls around the world, who are leading the charge of climate change adaption, mitigation, and response, to build a more sustainable future for all”. The UN also states that “advancing gender equality within the context of the climate crisis and disaster risk reduction is one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century”, and that “without gender equality today, a sustainable future, remains beyond our reach”.



It’s vital to encourage the next generation of female leaders, workers, mothers, decision-makers to build into their learning and development how we can achieve a truly sustainable tomorrow for the world, so on reflection, a celebration that incorporates the IWD 2022 campaign theme #BreakTheBias is something I think we should all get on board with.

Nadira Tudor shares her thoughts on International Women's Day 2022
I will leave you with a poem from the campaign organisers which brings together all the values and hopes we have for the coming years:

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Imagine a gender equal world.

A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination.

A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.

A world where difference is valued and celebrated.

Together we can forge women’s equality.

Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias.


Individually, we’re all responsible for our own thoughts and actions – all day, every day.

We can break the bias in our communities.

We can break the bias in our workplaces.

We can break the bias in our schools, colleges and universities.

Together, we can all break the bias – on International Women’s Day (IWD) and beyond.

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Head over to our Instagram page to hear from the Wild Beauty Team and our Friends of the brand as they share what International Women’s Day means to them.