Today is International Women’s Day, observed around the globe as a day on which the social, economic, political, and cultural achievements of women past and present are celebrated. Since the first International Women’s Day event held in 1911, the world has taken this opportunity once a year to champion the rights of women and marvel at how far we’ve come.

This year, the theme for International Women’s Day is Empower Rural Women—End Hunger and Poverty. Though great strides have been made in the name of women’s rights around the world, it’s important to remember the inequities that still exist.

In many countries, Women’s Day is a national holiday—men show their appreciation for their mothers, wives, sisters, and colleagues with flowers and gifts. The United Nations designated 1975 International Women’s Year as a way to unify the world’s efforts to advocate for women’s rights. It was during that year that March 8 was set as the official Women’s Day for all member states wishing to participate.

Today is about the celebration of women and the fight to insure safe, happy, rewarding futures for the next generations.