8 March – International Women’s Day
International Women's Day (IWD), also called International Working Women's Day, is celebrated on March 8 every year. In different regions the focus of the celebrations ranges from general celebration of respect, appreciation and love towards women to a celebration for women's economic, political, and social achievements.
In 2015, International Women’s Day, celebrated globally on 8 March, will highlight the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a historic roadmap signed by 189 governments 20 years ago that sets the agenda for realizing women’s rights. While there have been many achievements since then, many serious gaps remain.
This is the time to uphold women’s achievements, recognize challenges, and focus greater attention on women’s rights and gender equality to mobilize all people to do their part. The Beijing Platform for Action focuses on 12 critical areas of concern, and envisions a world where each woman and girl can exercise her choices, such as participating in politics, getting an education, having an income, and living in societies free from violence and discrimination.
To this end, the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is the clarion call of UN Women’s Beijing+20 campaign “Empowering Women, Empowering Humanity: Picture it!” Join governments and activists across the world in commemorating the ground-breaking Conference of 1995. We celebrate the many achievements that have come since then and galvanize action to address the gaps that still remain in making gender equality a reality.
Unique stamp for International Women’s Day
To mark International Women’s Day on March 8, 2014, bpost released a stamp. This very special stamp shows the face of a young lady, depicted in no less than 606 words.
When Belgian Post Group (bpost) released a stamp honoring International Women’s Day on March 8, 2014, it also earned itself a Guinness World Record.
The stamp depicts the face of a young lady and a background—formed out of 606 complete words.
The Guinness World Records entry (click HERE) says: “The most words on a postage stamp is 606 words in four languages taken from the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).”
The stamp is non denominated. The numeral “1” in a circle and the word “world” indicate that it pays the international rate for letters weighing up to 50 grams.
WOMEN RELATED STAMPS FROM INDIA POST
- Compiled by Dr Sumitra Arya
DATE
NAME
DETAIL
16.08.1957
Centenary of India`s 1st War of Independence-(1857-1957)
Rani Lakshmi Bai (1828-1858) an expert in warfare, fought against the British.
26.01.1962
Madam Bhikaiji Cama
(1861-1936)A Parsi, known as Mother of Indian Revolution, took an active role in Freedom Struggle. She unfurled Indian National Flag with Vande Mataram in Germany for the 1st time in a foreign soil.
15.08.1962
Ramabai Ranade
(1862-1924)Puna.Married Madhav Govind Ranade, a Social Reformer, who gave her Education. She worked for Women`s cause, founded Seva Sadan. She was a volunteer visitor to central prison, lunatic asylum of Yerawada & met Women prisoners.
01.10.1963
Dr(Mrs.)Annie Besant
(1847-1933)UK-Irish by birth English by manner & Indian by adoption, she came to India in 1893, worked for Education, Socialism, Trade Unionism, Rights off Working Women. Founded India Home Rule League-1916. Cover shows-Theosophical Building, Madras
10.12.1963
Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt
15th Anniversary of the Universal of Human Rights.
13.02.1964
Sarojini Naidu
(1879-1949)Hyderabad, AP.Known as Nightingale of India (as her lyrics had a quality of Bird song) a great Poet & good Orator.
22.02.1964
Kasturba Gandhi
(1869-1944)Porbander, Gujarat.She stood by her husband Mahatma Gandhi through out.
15.8.1965
Definitive Series
Tea plucking-Rural Female Workforce in Agriculture, Industries is 90% of total Female labor. In Farming around 60%, 1991 World Bank reports that Women accounted 94% of total employees in Dairy production in India.51% of total work in Forest based Small Scale Industries.Mahila Lijjat another example.
Urban Female workforce-30% in Software.
27.10.1968
Sister Nivedita
(1867-1911)Ireland, inspired by Swami Vivekananda, came to India, adopted Indian custom, worked for women`s Education
6.11.1968
Marie Curie
(1867-1934)Poland, Great Scientist, discovered Radium & Radioactivity ,got Noble Prize twice
31.8.1970
Dr.Maria Montessori
(1870-1952)International Education Year-1970.Non-Violence towards the child is the basis & the path of Education as a help to life.
1.8.1974
Kamala Nehru
(1899-1936)Delhi. She married J.L.Nehru& was a moral support to him. Inspired by Gandhiji she took an active role in Freedom Struggle. Cover depicts Kamala Nehru Hospital inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi on 28.2.1941.
16.2.1975
International Women`s Year
UN General assembly-Theme:
Equality, Development & Peace
4.9.1975
Personalities-Ahilya Bai Holker
(1725-1795)Maharashtra-A good ruler & Administrator, developed Textile Industry in Maheshwar
6.8.1976
Subhadra Kumari Chauhan
(1904-1948)Allahabad, UP-an aggressive Hindi Poetess with patriotic fire of Joan of Arc & lyricism of Meera.Married Thakur Laxman Singh, joined vNon-Cooperation Movement. She was the 1st Woman Satyagrahi to be arrested.
3.9.1976
SNDT Women University,
Bombay
Dr.Dhondo Keshav Karve started it in 1916, later funded & expanded in1920 by Sir Vithaldas Thackersey, in the memory of his mother, then the University came to be known as Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey Indian Women's University.
21.2.1978
The Mother
(1878-1973)Paris-spiritually inclined, she worked with Sri Aurobindo in 1904 at Auroville, Pondicherry.
Cover depicts the Symbol of the Mother
23.3.1978
Modern Indian Paintings
Amrita Sher Gill-(1913-1941)
18.3.1980
Welthy Housinger Fisher
(1879-1980)USA-melodious Opera Singer, came to India met Gandhi & Tagore, started Adult Education in Rural India & built Saksharata Niketan.
27.6.1980
Helen Keller
(1880-1968)USA,was deaf,blind,mute,wrote autobiography-The Story of my life,contributed immensely to the society through her lectures, books
27.8.1980
Mother Teresa
(1910-)Yugoslavia. Came to India in 1929 as a Teacher, founded Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta in 1950, and dedicated her life to serve Leprosy patients, orphans, elderly & handicapped with Love. She was the 1st Indian Woman to get Noble Peace Prize.
23.11.1980
6th Definitive Series
Rubber Tapping
25.1.1982
6th Definitive Series
Dairy/Farming
9.5.1982
Durgabai Deshmukh
(1909-1981)Kakinada, AP.Known as Mother of Social Work, she founded Andhra Mahila Sabha in Madras in 1937, which runs Hospitals, Colleges& Schools.
Cover depicts Literacy House Auditorium, Hyderabad.
9.8.1983
Meera Behn
(Madeleine Slade)
(1892-1982)England. Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, she dedicated her life to India`s Freedom Struggle. Cover shows Gowali Tank maidan, Bombay -9.8.1942.
19.11.1984
Indira Gandhi
(1917-1984)Allahabad. She joined Freedom Struggle at an early age, became PM in 1966 & 1980.
Let us not shed Blood, let us shed Hatred.
31.1.1985
Indira Gandhi
Crusader for World Peace
22.7.1985
Nellie Sen Gupta
(1886-1973)England-married jatindra Mohan Sen Gupta in 1909 came to Chittagong joined Freedom Struggle & died in Calcutta.
31.10.1985
Indira Gandhi
(1917-1984) In the Service of the Nation.
19.11.1985
Indira Gandhi. Priyadarshini
(1917-1984)Cover depicts Indira Gandhi with folk singers from Rajasthan
1.5.1987
Shree Shree Ma Anandamayee
(1896-1892)Bengal-widely travelled & led a Spiritual life
27.12.1987
Rukmini Devi
(1904-1986)TN-influenced by Theosophical Society & Russian Ballerina-Anna Pavlova she learnt Bharatanatyam & established Kalakshetra in 1936, had multifaceted contributions earned many awards.
20.3.1988
Rani Avanti Bai
Ramgarh, MP, fought the British in 1857 & became a martyr in 1858.
9.5.1988
First War of Independence
-Rani Lakshmi Bai(1828-1858)an expert warrior
-Begum Hazrat Mahal-wife of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah of Lucknow,fought the British & died in Nepal-1879
24.6.1988
Rani Durgavati
A warrior from Chandela dynasty, propagated development ,Education, fought Mughals & became a martyr in Jabalpur
13.4.1989
Rajkumari Amrit Kaur
(1889-1964)Kapurthala.1st Woman to hold Cabinet post of Minister of Health from 1947 to 1957.She was the founder member of All India Women`s Conference. She launched AIIMS, New Delhi. She also encouraged Sports.
26.10.1989
Pandita Ramabai
(1858-1920)-Maharashtra-Sanskrit Scholar, knew 7 languages, rebelled caste system, worked for Women`s Education, built Sharada Sadan in 1889(seen in FDC)
5.9.1990
Care for The Girl Child
International Women`s Year & Women`s Decade (1976-1985) sensitizing the World for Gender Non-Discrimination, Equality & Women`s contribution to Progress.
16.9.1991
Mahadevi Verma
(1907-1987)Farrukhabad, UP-contributed to Hindi Literature, one of the founders off women`s Education in UP& voiced her concerns for Women.
29.10.1991
Kamladevi Chattopadhyaya
(1903-1988)Mangalore, Karnataka.A Social Reformer, Great Freedom Fighter, worked for upliftment of Women & Cooperative Movement & established Crafts Council.
13.11.1992
Sisters of Jesus & Mary-150yrs
(1842-1992)France-Claudine Thevenet-CJM
30.12.1993
Nargis Dutt
(Fatima Rashid)
(1929-1981) known as Lady in White & for her film Mother India, was an actress par excellence. She reached Army Jawans through
Ajanta Touring Troupe. She started a Spastic Society in 1972.A Cancer Hospital has been built in her name.
9.4.1994
Rani Rashmoni
(1793-1861)West Bengal-fought the British & did lot of philanthropic activities.
10.5.1994
India`s Struggle for Freedom
Begum Hazrat Mahal- wife of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah of Lucknow,fought the British & died in Nepal-1879
22.2.1996
Kasturba Trust
(1869-1944)Tribute to Ba.
19.7.1996
Sister Alphonsa
(1910-1946)Kerala-1st Woman Saint from India.
25.8.1996
Ahilyabai Holkar
(1725-1795)Maharashtra-ruled her state, developed Textile Industry at Maheswar, built Temples/Ghats.
12.9.1996
Rani Gaidinliu
(1915-1993)Manipur-inspired by Gandhiji ,a Freedom fighter, Political Leader, Social Reformer & the the only Woman Freedom Fighter to spend 15yrs in British Jails & was awarded Tamrapatra & Padmabhushan
6.8.1997
Thirumathi Rukmini Lakshmipathi
(1892-1951)Madurai,TN. A freedom fighter worked for women`s cause & Education
15.10.1997
Rural Indian Women
Indepex-97
10.3.1998
Savitribai Phule
(1831-1897)Maharastra.Fought for women`s Rights, Education, Widow Remarriage, removal of Untouchability
16.7.1998
Aruna Asaf Ali
(1909-1996)Haryana. A Great Freedom Fighter.
5.10.1998
Indian Women in Aviation
19.3.1999
Indraprastha College for Women
(1924-1999)Platinum Jubilee.
Motto-Truth, Love, Knowledge, Service.
7.5.1999
Bethune Collegiate School, Calcutta
(1849-1999)1st recognized Government Institution for the Education of Girls in Bengal, founded by John Elliot Drinkwater Bethune in 1849-made Asoka tree as a symbol of Female Education in India.1st Lady Doctor of Bengal Kadambini Ganguly, 1st Lady Graduate Chandramukhi Bose are from this college.
7.7.1999
Jijabai
(1598-1674)Maharastra.Mother of Shivaji, symbol of Motherhood& inspired Shivaji to fight his rivals.
Cover depicts Samadhisthan of Jijabai
29.9.1999
Arati Gupta Saha
(1940-1994)West Bengal-1st Woman in Asia to swim The English Channel in 1959 covering 42miles in 16hrs 20minutes.A Pioneer in Aquatics, she started swimming at the age of 4years.
12.8.2000
Dr.Ida Sophia Scudder
(1870-1960) Founder of Christian Medical College & Hospital, Vellore-(1900-2000)
15.8.2000
Great Leaders:
Social & Political
Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit-(1900-1990) younger sister of Nehru, 1st Woman President of UN General assembly (1953-54) took active role in freedom struggle.
Cover portrays Women Empowerment.
22.7.2001
Jhalkari Bai
Fought the British in 1857,she is alive in the folklore of Bundelkhand(Jhansi)
19.9.2001
Rani Avanti Bai
Queen of Ramgarh, fought against British in 1857& became a martyr on 20.3.1858.
7.11.2001
Marie Curie
(1867-1934) discovered Radium & Radio activity, used for Cancer Treatment.
20.12.2001
Vijaya Raje Scindia
(1919-2001) worked for social/political causes/ upliftment of Women, weaker sections & for Education.
12.9.2002
Chandraprabha Saikiani
(1901-1972)Assam-Personalities-Social Reformers. Fought for Women`s cause & their Education. Known for her Poetry & Novels.
12.10.2002
Kanika Bandopadhyay
(1924-2000)West Bengal-Exponent of Rabindra Sangeet & Classical Music learnt under Rabindranath Tagore at Shyamala, Shantiniketan .A great Singer, Teacher, Writer, and Social-Worker & Artist she worked for AIR.
15.11.2002
Handicrafts of India
17.12.2002
Tamralipta Jatiya Sarkar
Matangini Hazra. (1869-1982)West Bengal. A great Freedom Fighter & became a Martyr. Cover depicts `Biplabi’ official News Letter of 26.1.1943 announcing the beginning of Administrative role of Jatiya.
30.5.2003
Mukta Bai
(1279-1299)Maharastra.Poet Saint, conveyed spiritual message to common people through universal love. Abhang was her meter.
29.12.2003
Allah Jilai Bai
(1902-)Bikaner, Rajasthan-born in a family of Musicians, she sang in the court of Maharaja Ganga Singh .At 8yrs of age,learnt Dadra, Thumri & Dance under Ustad Husain Baksh.
20.9.2004
Subhadra Kumari Chauhan
(1904-1948)UP.Agreesive, Hindi Poetess with with Patriotic fire.
8.10.2004
Ashoka Chakra Winners
Neerja Bhanot (1963-1986) Chandigarh-awarded Asoka Chakra for Bravery-She fought hijackers & laid down her life. She is the only Indian to have conferred with heroism Award of The Flight Safety Foundation.
2.10.2005
Dr.T.S.Soundram
(1904-1984)-joined Quit India Movement & setting up Gandhigram, she built Sowbhagya Illam & Sevikashrams in villages. A Pioneer of Women`s early campaigners for liberating Women from Illiteracy, Social Injustice & Inequality.
24.11.2005
Newborn Health in India
18.12.2005
M.S.Subbulakshmi
(1916-2004)Madurai, Tamil Nadu-her guru was her mother Mrs.Shanmukhavadivu, an eminent Veena Artist. She started singing at the age of 13yrs, learnt Carnatic Vocal & performed in AIR. She was the Cultural Ambassador of India. Nehru named her as Queen of Songs.
8.7.2006
Indraprastha Girl`s School
1904-1st Girls School in Delhi inspired by Dr Annie Besant
8.3.2007
Women`s Day
International Women`s Day is celebrated globally for the glory of Women`s Economic, Political &Social achievement. Right to Equality & Non-discrimination are justifiable fundamental rights under Indian Constitution. Protection of Women from Domestic Violence (October 2005) is the 1st of its kind.
30.3.2007
Mehboob Khan
Made women oriented epic films like Mother India, remake of film Aurat & a tribute to Indian Womanhood
18.3.2008
Madhubala
(Mumtaz Begum Jehan Dehlavi)
(1933-1969)-known as Venus of Indian Cinema, had a mass magnetic appeal. She started acting at 9yrs of age, noted by Devika Rani Roerich & named her Madhubala.
She married Kishore Kumar in 1960.
20.11.2008
Joachim & Violet Alva
(1908-1969)Ahmedabad-1st woman Lawyer to appear in front of Bombay High court to defend her husband, ,Journalist, Freedom Fighter
1.12.2008
Indira Gandhi : Builders of Modern India
10th Definitive Series.
31.12.2008
Thillaiyadi Valliyammai
(1898-1914)Johannesburg, inspired by Gandhiji she active role in the Freedom Struggle
31.12.2008
Rani Velu Nachchiyar
(1750-1796)TN-knew 6 languages, well versed in literature & Warfare, fought British withvalour.
5.2.2009
National Girl Child Day
On 24th January
1.3.2009
Mother Teresa
Builders of Modern India-10th Definitive.
11.10.2009
Dr.Dineshnandini Dalmia
(1928-2006)Udaipur, Rajasthan-Firebrand Author & Poet, 1st Indian Woman to write confessional Poetry & 1st Woman Post-Graduate of Rajasthan. She rebelled Purdah System & fought Gender bias.
29.10.2009
Jeanne Jugan
(1792-1952)France-(Sister Mary of the Cross) Little Sisters of the Poor-Religious order was founded in 1839.They have 13 homes for aged for free.
29.10.2010
Kranti Trivedi
(1930-2009)Raipur,Chhattisgarh,wrote in Hindi on Women issues, wrote books & manuscripts
3.12.2010
-Thanjavuru Balasaraswathi
-Veenai Dhanammal
-TB-(1918-1984) was born in a family of Musicians. Awarded Sangeet Natak academy, Padma Bhushan & Sangeet Kalanidhi.
-VD-(1867-1938)Chennai-born in a family of Musicians & Dancers,learnt Veena & Vocal,Padas,Jhavalis were her forte, career spanned over 60yrs
2.2.2011
Mary Ward
(1585-1645)Roman Catholic Nun from Yorkshire. worked for Women`s Education, came to India in 1842-Loreto Institutions
13.2.2011
Legendary Heroines of India
-Kanan Devi-Actress & Singer(Bengali Style) wrote autobiography Sabare ami nomi(1973)
-Meena Kumari-born in Bombay, married Kamal Amrohi wrote Urdu poetry under pen name-Naaz, some of it was compiled by Gulzar.
-Nutan-
-Leela Naidu-born in Bombay, Femina Ms India-1954, featured in Vogue as top 10 most beautiful women in world.
-Savitri-Tamil,Telugu Actress & Director, born in Guntur,AP,learnt Music & Dance ,married Gemini Ganesan
-Devika Rani-Grand niece of Tagore, studied Arts at Royal Academy of Music, London ,held a degree in Architecture, married Himansu Rai in 1929.after death of Rai in 1940,she married Russian Painter Svetoslav Roerich.
23.3.2011
Subhadra Joshi
(1919-2003)Sialkot, Pakistan-Active during freedom struggle, inspired by Gandhiji, was a Parliamentarian for 4 terms, pioneered various schemes for poor & women upliftment, Delhi Mahila Samaj Trust to help destitute. Herr stress was on Communal Harmony & National Integration.
30.4.2011
Umrao Kunwarji-Archana
(1922-2009)Rajasthan. Propagated Jainism.
Wrote books, built Hospitals, Library & Welfare centers
30.9.2011
The Trained Nurses Association of India
(1908-2011)Hundred years of caring.
12.4.2012
Isabella Thoburn College,Lucknow-
125 years.
Founded by Ms.Isabella Thoburn,American Missionary to serve women in India, in 1870.it inculcates 10 charecteristics-Health,Honesty, Dependability, Scholarliness, Broadmindedness, courtesy,Poise,Loyalty,Spirituality,& Service.
3.9.2014
-D. Krishnaswamy Pattammal
-Gangubai Hangal
-DKP (1919-2009) TN-started learning Music at the age of 4 & was the 1st Brahmin Woman to sing on stage. She entered the male domain by singing Ragam-Talam-Pallavi.She is the 1st Carnatic Singer & the only one to have given concerts for 75 yrs.She was awarded Sangeet Natak Academy Fellowship, Padma Bhushan & Padma Vibhushan.
-GH(1913-2009)Dharwad,Karnataka-She was initiated into Music by her mother Ambabai an eminent Carnatic Singer &sang welcome song at age of 11yrs in the Congress Session in front of Gandhi,Nehru,Sarojini Naidu & Abul Kalam Azad.She was awardedTansen Award,Padma Bhushan & Padma Vibhushan.