Annually on March 8, thousands of events are held throughout the world to inspire and celebrate women's achievements. Organisations, governments and women's groups around the world choose different themes each year that reflect global and local gender issues. Below are some of the global United Nation themes used for International Women's Day to date:
- 2010: Equal rights, equal opportunities: Progress for all;
- 2009:Women and men united to end Violence against women and girls;
-2008: Investing in Women and Girls;
-2007: Ending Impunity for Violence against Women and Girls;
- 2006: Women in decision-making;
- 2005: Gender Equality Beyond 2005: Building a More Secure Future;
- 2004: Women and HIV/AIDS;
- 2003: Gender Equality and the Millenium Development Goals;
- 2002: Afghan Women Today: Realities and Opportunities;
- 2001: Women and Peace: Women Managing Conflicts;
- 2000: Women Uniting for Peace.
