MUSCAT : International Women’s Day originated through the labour movement in 1908, when 15,000 women in the garment industry marched in New York City to demand shorter hours, higher wages, suffrage and child labor. The International Women’s Day was officially recognized by the United Nations in 1977 when the United Nations celebrated the day.

A national celebration of International Women’s Day was held for the first time in Sri Lanka in 1978. Since then, the government has taken measures to empower women through a series of concurrent programs and a national celebration on various themes every year.

The theme of 2024 International Women’s Day is ‘Rapid progress through women’s investment’, and at the same time, ‘Strength for her – Progress for God’ has been used as the national theme in Sri Lanka. The National Celebration in Sri Lanka takes place on March 08, 2024 under the chairmanship of the Honorable President, and many concurrent programs are implemented on the days before and after March 08 under the leadership of the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Empowerment.

The Sri Lanka Embassy in Muscat marks the day with special activities to thank some 19,000 strong Sri Lankan female workforce in the Sultanate who are diligently contributing to the socio-economic development of the two countries.