International Women's Day (IWD) is a worldwide celebration which annually takes place on March 8, celebrating the achievements of women throughout history and their contributions to society.
With the latest instalment taking place this coming Tuesday, it's always wise to understand what this year's theme is and how we can play our part in helping promote and assist the ongoing campaign for gender equality.
As a result, each year's date consistently presents a theme and an aim to accompany the worldwide acknowledgements, but what exactly is this year's theme and how can we do our bit?
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International Women's day was initially celebrated in 1911, with Austria, Germany, Denmark and Switzerland all participating. However, it was made official over 60 years later in 1975, when the United Nations (UN) began acknowledging the date, and paying tribute.
The first time a theme was introduced was 21 years later in 1996, with celebrating the past and planning for the future becoming a feature.
This year's theme for IWD is #BreakTheBias, in which calls are being made for an eradication of inequality with respect to gender.
An official statement from the official IWD website regarding this year's theme reads: " Individually, we're all responsible for our own thoughts and actions - all day, every day.
"We can break the bias in our communities. We can break the bias in our workplaces. We can break the bias in our schools, colleges and universities.
"Together, we can all break the bias - on International Women's Day (IWD) and beyond."
With the current theme, International Women's Day has urged action to create a more gender equal society, and to create a more sustainable, fairer and more diverse culture around the world for everyone, regardless of their gender among other factors.
This follows on from last year's theme which was 'gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow' while calling for climate action for women, by women.
How can I get involved in International Women's Day 2022?
Everyone can get involved in this years event regardless of their gender, age, sexual preference, race or beliefs - and IWD are promoting the campaign to anyone who are able to challenge inequalities in their day to day life.
As of Tuesday, IWD call for people around the world to share images and videos while posing with their arms crossed in an X - to share their support for breaking the bias.
IWD will then share the images on their official channels to promote the ongoing movement, in a bid to encourage more and more people to in-turn get involved while giving exposure to the ongoing matters.
Those interested in taking part in the activity can get involved by sharing their photo to social media with the hashtag #BreakTheBias or submitting their media directly to the organisation, here.
Others may also choose to fundraise for local charities across the North East, such as Wearside Women In Need, the Young Women's Outreach Project, and Tyneside Women's Health to name a few.
What's on for IWD 2022 in my local area?
There are many exciting events and celebrations taking place on International Women's Day this year.
There is a free Newcastle-based event at Exhibition Park on the Town Moor entitled 'This Girl Can', in which b rightly dressed runners and walkers will take over the park on a one or three mile course.
The event is organised by Active Newcastle, and aims to encourage people to lead healthier and more active lifestyles.
The exhibition starts at 6pm, however, participants are being asked to arrive at 5:45pm to avoid delays.
You can sign up in advance, here.
Comedy gala 'Tyne to Stand Up' also takes place at the Tyne Theatre and Opera House on Westgate Road from 8pm.
A jam packed line-up of TV names and some of the most promising comedy circuit acts from the region will perform, with proceeds going to support charity Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland. Tickets are priced £10 plus booking fee, and can be found here.
The Hope Street Xchange in Sunderland is also playing host to a number of inspirational women on Tuesday evening - with the likes of Natasha McDonough, Laura Middleton, and Sarah Pavlou in attendance.
Staff will be taking donations on behalf of Smart Works, who boost confidence and self-belief for women, while giving them the tools to succeed in formal job interviews. The event will take place from 6pm until 8pm, and tickets cost £15 in advance.
Elsewhere, Jane Harker will be giving a free speech on Wor Bella at Whitley Bay Library from 2pm. Wor Bella is the empowering tale of heroic Munitionettes throughout World War I, who served on the home front while also playing football to raise money for charity.
The play by Ed Waugh is based on Blyth Spartans Ladies' striker Bella Reay, who scored 133 goals in 20 matches, being dubbed as the Alan Shearer of her day. The event is free to attend, and tickets can be found, here.
On King Edwards Bay in Tynemouth, many are gearing up for a morning dip in the North Sea from 6.30am. Personal Trainer Cheryl Tanner has organised the event to promote positive physical and mental health.
To find out more about the dip entitled New Wave To Life, or even sign up and brave the challenge, you can do so here.
For more information on International Women's Day, visit their official website, here.
