International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities.
Each year President Higgins strives to host an event to mark the Day, to highlight the social, economic and political achievements of women and to add to the call for action to address continuing gender inequality and violence against women:
- In 2012, the President marked the day by opening the new offices of the National Women’s Council.
- In 2013, President Higgins hosted an event for Women Leaders.
- In 2015, President Higgins highlighted the Day by hosting an event on Women and Sport.
- In 2016, the President built on his role as a HeForShe Champion World Leader to call on organisations with a significant male membership to help eradicate domestic violence.
- In 2017, the theme of the President’s International Women’s Day event was domestic and sexual violence.
- In 2018, the President used International Women’s Day to mark the centenary of women’s suffrage.
- In 2019. the President used the Day to celebrate and highlight the work of women in the sciences.
The theme for International Women's Day 2020 is "I am Generation Equality: Realising Women's Rights."
Reflecting that theme, President and Sabina Higgins hosted a reception for people and organisations that have worked to progress the goal of building a fairer and more equal world, in which women's rights are fully realised. The event also marked the 25th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a wide ranging strategic plan for the achievement of women’s rights in countries and regions across the world.
Related events:
- President and Sabina host a Garden Party promoting Gender Equality and Respect for all (2019)
- President hosts events marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (2019)
- President and Sabina visit Shankill Women’s Centre (2019)
- President and Sabina visit the Aoibhneas Women's Refuge Centre (2019)
- President and Sabina host a “Women In The Sciences” reception, marking International Women’s Day (2019)
