International awareness days and weeks are observed each month to help us raise awareness about issues concerning us as well as to celebrate people, languages, and more. They enlighten, educate, inform, and urge us to take action. From âZero Discrimination Dayâ observed on March 1 to âInternational Day for the Right to the Truth concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victimsâ on March 25, we have compiled a list of all the awareness days and weeks celebrated in March 2023 that you should be aware of.
March 1, 2023
Zero Discrimination Day
The 2023 theme for Zero Discrimination Day is Save lives: Decriminalise. The day observed on March 1 promotes equality, inclusion, and peace among all. Zero Discrimination Day also gives everyone an opportunity to unite to put an end to all discrimination.
March 3, 2023
World Wildlife Day
World Wildlife Day on March 3 spreads awareness about the importance of conserving wildlife (both flora and fauna) as they are very beneficial for humans. Many nations around the world get medicine, food, and other useful things from wildlife. The day celebrates various forms of wildlife and urges people to fight against wildlife crimes like exploitation and killing. These crimes have an adverse effect on our environment. The theme for World Wildlife Day 2023 is âPartnerships for wildlife conservation.”
March 5, 2023
International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness
Weapons, arms, and nuclear weapons can cause serious destruction. They pose a threat to international peace and humanity, and also cause harm to humans. The International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness is observed on March 5. It helps people understand that peace and security can be strengthened due to disarmament efforts. It can also put an end to armed conflicts, which would help reduce the loss of life, injured humans, damage, and destruction of infrastructure.
March 8, 2023
International Women’s Day
March 8 is International Womenâs Day and the theme this year is âDigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality.” This day celebrates women and their accomplishments and promotes gender equality. Even today, millions of women donât have access to technology and other basic necessities. In many regions, women donât have safe and legal access. A very small percentage of women hold positions in artificial intelligence, and therefore, this year celebrates women in tech.
March 10, 2023
International Day of Women Judges
Women should be a part of the decision-making process and represent citizens in court too. However, they are underrepresented in these spaces. Women in the judiciary and courts have a positive impact. Therefore, International Day of Women Judges on March 10 celebrates women judges and the progress women have made in courts and the judiciary. It also promotes gender equality in courts.
March 15, 2023
International Day to Combat Islamophobia
The International Day to Combat Islamophobia on March 15 promotes peace, respect, and tolerance of people of all cultures and religions. The hatred and prejudice against Muslims that leads to hate crimes and abuse is Islamophobia. We must prevent these hate crimes and educate people about Muslims.
March 20, 2023
International Day of Happiness
The happiness of people all around the world is very important, and eradication of poverty, equal opportunities for all, and inclusion can help us achieve this goal of happiness. The International Day of Happiness on March 20 celebrates the well-being and happiness of people everywhere. Doing things we enjoy or participating in activities that help us relax or have fun can make us happy.
French Language Day
French Language Day is celebrated on March 20. This day gives us an opportunity to about the culture and history of French.
March 21-27, 2023
Week of Solidarity with the People Struggling against Racism and Racial Discrimination
Due to racism, people lose several opportunities, and this hinders progress in our world. With equality, inclusion, and representation in all areas and spaces of our lives, we can thrive and be happy. We need to stand up against racism and racial discrimination. The Week of Solidarity with the People Struggling against Racism and Racial Discrimination is observed from March 21â27.
March 21, 2023
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Racism is everywhere, in school, at work, and in public spaces too. As mentioned earlier, it hinders the growth and progress of our society as some people are not treated fairly, they face injustice, suffer, or donât get the same opportunities as others due to their race.
On March 21, 1960, the police opened fire on 69 people in Sharpeville, South Africa who were protesting against the apartheid âpass laws.” Therefore, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination encourages people to join the fight against racial discrimination and also honors the 69 people who lost their lives.
World Poetry Day
Poetry is a beautiful form of expressing oneself. Poetry is a part of every culture. Celebrated on March 21, World Poetry Day honors poetry and poets. The day also encourages everyone to read and write, and promotes teaching poetry.
International Day of Nowruz
Millions of people on the planet celebrate Nowruz as the beginning of the new year. It often falls on March 21 which is also the start of Spring. This year too the International day of Nowruz will be celebrated on March 21.
World Down Syndrome Day
About 3000 to 5000 children are born with an extra chromosome each year. Access to health care and inclusive education are essential for people with Down syndrome. World Down Syndrome Day on March 21 raises awareness of Down syndrome.
International Day of Forests
We depend on forests for food, cleaning the air, water, and other necessities. By observing International Day of Forests on March 21, it helps spread awareness about forests and urges us to take care of them. We need to plant more trees and protect forests for all that they provide us with, as deforestation also affects them. Forests are always giving us something (including medicines), so itâs time we looked after them as well! The theme for International Day of Forests this year is Forests and Health.
March 22, 2023
World Water Day
Millions of people everywhere lack safe drinking water. Many also die due to diseases related to poor water. We all need clean water and therefore it is crucial to solving the water and sanitation crisis. World Water Day is observed every year on March 22.
March 23, 2023
World Meteorological Day
The World Meteorological Day on March 23 celebrates the World Meteorological Organization, which was established in 1960. The theme of this year is The Future of Weather, Climate, and Water across Generations. The day also spreads awareness about the National Meteorological and Hydrological Servicesâ immensely important work for the safety of all people.
March 24, 2023
World Tuberculosis Day
World Tuberculosis Day is observed on March 24. This day helps raise awareness about tuberculosis and its effects on our health. The 2023 theme for the day is ‘Yes! We can end TB!’
International Day for the Right to the Truth concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims
The International Day for the Right to the Truth concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims on March 24 honors the memory of Saint Ăscar Arnulfo Romero. He was killed on this day in 1980 for condemning the human rights violations of the vulnerable people in El Salvador. The Day also remembers victims of human rights violations, honors the people who contribute to protecting human rights for all and encourages us to fight for justice.
March 25, 2023
International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade
The International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade is observed on March 25. It honors the people who have suffered and lost their lives due to slavery.
International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members
Many people from the UN have been killed in service and therefore the International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members on March 25 demands justice for them. The day also helps take action to protect the staff of the United Nations and its peacekeepers.
