International Women’s Day for Peace and Disarmament is commemorated on May 24. It’s a day to celebrate women’s voices for a world free from the threat of nuclear arms. We celebrate diplomacy, human decency, and a violence-free, peaceful future.
For generations, the only real part that women were allowed to play in armed conflict was that of the grieving women left behind, while their sons, husbands, and brothers went off to war. The establishment of this Day marks a significant change in women’s role in the conflict. They are now eager to step out and have their voices heard. This day is also about spreading awareness of the terror of nuclear weapons.
History of International Women's Day for Peace and Disarmament
In the early 1980s, a group of pro-pacifist feminists from around Europe decided to lend their voice to the already loud cries demanding to disarm nuclear stockpiles and military forces around the world. In 1985, the total number of active nuclear warheads, globally, was approximately 62,000. On May 24, International Women’s Day for Peace and Disarmament was established.
Since the 1980s, May 24 has become a rallying cry for pacifist and human rights groups around the world to call on governments to stop the manufacture and distribution of arms, whether that be to their own militaries or private citizens within their own countries.
The movement has grown and evolved over the years, but its core purpose is to stand up and demand an end to violence, in all shapes and forms. As governments appear to prioritize weaponry and military advancements over human safety. A lot of controversies still reign over the need to safeguard our planet from nuclear weapons. The need to celebrate this day today is just as important as it was in the 1980s.
International Women's Day for Peace and Disarmament timeline
The Manhattan Project sees success with its first detonated nuclear warhead.
Soon after the successful testing of the nuclear bomb, two are sent to Japan in response to Pearl Harbor.
Russia successfully tests its own nuclear weapons and Britain shortly follows.
America creates the hydrogen bomb exponentially more powerful than the atomic bomb.
A total of 14 countries have now either created their own arsenal or received armaments from allies.
International Women's Day for Peace and Disarmament FAQs
How can I make a difference in nuclear stockpiles?
Each voice counts. Populations do have a say in the number of nuclear warheads a country owns, so add your voice.
Is there anything I can do if there is a nuclear strike?
No, perhaps with enough warning you may be able to escape the blast radius. But, depending on the size of the payload, there probably won’t be enough time.
Do I have to be a woman to participate?
Most definitely not. Nuclear weapons don’t threaten women only, after all.
How to Observe International Women's Day for Peace and Disarmament
Nuclear doom
Spread about the dangers of nuclear armament and how going down this path might lead the world to doom. A nuclear war would spell devastation for the earth.
Against wars
Wars have claimed countless lives throughout history. Stopping this senseless killing should be everyone’s priority. Support places that have suffered from wars through donations and information.
Learn from your own history
The world is a collection of all of us. Start changing yourself. Look back on mistakes you made in the past and take steps to avoid repeating that history.
5 Interesting Facts About Nukes
Destroying life
The two nuclear bombs, Fat Man and Little Boy, that were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 killed nearly 200,000 people.
Devastating
The most powerful nuclear bomb ever tested is the Tsar Bomba, which was tested by the Soviet Union in 1961, and delivered a payload of over 50 megatons.
Missing nukes
To date, six nuclear weapons have been declared missing and have never been recovered.
2,000
Only two nuclear weapons have ever been used during warfare, however, over 2,000 nuclear tests have been done since then.
The end
There is no effective way to defend against a nuclear attack despite many efforts to do so.
Why International Women's Day for Peace and Disarmament is Important
It’s a great cause
No matter your station, ending nuclear armament on earth is worth pursuing because nothing will remain if a nuclear war breaks out. We must do all we can to prevent it from happening.
Global issue
The Cold War may be over, but the threat of nuclear weapons remains. This is a day that reminds us how destructive they can truly be.
Revisiting the past
It’s a chance to look back and start a positive change, both for governments and individuals. It is also a day commemorating women and their contributions.
International Women's Day for Peace and Disarmament dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | May 24 | Friday |
| 2025 | May 24 | Saturday |
| 2026 | May 24 | Sunday |
| 2027 | May 24 | Monday |
| 2028 | May 24 | Wednesday |
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