The day is observed annually, as a focal point for the women's rights movement, and it raises awareness of, among others, gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women.

 The United Nations began honouring International Women's Day in 1975 and it has since been observed annually by the UN and most of the world, with each year's observance concentrating on a particular theme or issue within women's rights.

The goal of the day is to celebrate the accomplishments of women, acknowledge their obstacles, and draw more attention to gender equality and women's rights additionally encouraging the world to support women.

Being a woman means being many people at once, OFM spoke to powerful women about how it has changed for women in the corporate space and what it means to be a woman to them.  

Karen Lowe, who is the director of the 4-Day Week South Africa coalition, mentioned “there is an increased focus on identity and inclusion, as well as an increased focus on wellbeing and reducing a women’s mental load. I don’t think it is easy for any of us who are in corporate and running families.”

For her what it means to be a woman is being a mother, daughter, wife, and career woman. It means to be many people in one day with many expectations on you.

Colonel Adele Myburgh from Potchefstroom said "it is an exciting time as women are not excluded from anything in the police force. Women are being incorporated and are not being excluded in any sphere of the SAPS.”

Nano Mothibi, the head of marketing communication for the Gauteng film commission, spoke about how the film industry has changed for women today. She mentioned that: “there has been a great evolution from when the cinema industry was launched, there is more access for women.

Founder of the Northern Cape Starlets, Evelyn Maruping, believes “being a woman means I can do many things at once – a multitasker". She is not focused on one goal like men for instance who are focused on one thing.

The theme for International Women’s Day this year is, “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality,” which highlights the role of innovative technology in promoting gender equality and meeting the health and developmental needs of women and girls.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame