International Women's Day in Sierra Leone is both a celebration and a call to action, honoring women's achievements while raising awareness about ongoing struggles for equality, rights and empowerment.

When is International Women's Day?

International Women's Day is observed annually on March 8.

The following is the list of International Women's Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of International Women's Day?

International Women's Day began in the early 20th century with women's labor and suffrage movements. The first recognized observance was in 1911 in Europe, focusing on women's rights, fair labor, and the right to vote.

In 1977, the United Nations officially declared March 8 as International Women's Day, calling on all nations to promote gender equality.

In the decades after independence (1961), Sierra Leonean women increasingly organized for political inclusion and social rights.

The celebration of International Women's Day became more prominent in the 1970s and 1980s, especially through the efforts of women's associations, trade unions, and civil society groups.

International Women's Day gained greater recognition after the civil war (1991–2002), when women's groups played a crucial role in peace negotiations, community rebuilding, and advocacy for justice.

During the civil war, women and girls endured severe hardship, including gender-based violence. However, women also emerged as peacebuilders, human rights defenders, and community leaders.

Post-war, women's movements in Sierra Leone linked their struggles to International Women's Day, making March 8 a platform for advocacy on issues such as ending gender-based violence, promoting girls' education, economic empowerment for women, and increasing women's political representation.