International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) introduced by the United Nations General Assembly and partners upholds the human rights of all women and girls. Female genital mutilation (FGM) comprises all procedures that involve altering or injuring the female genitalia for non-medical reasons and is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights, the health and the integrity of girls and women. Recognizing this as an abhorrent human rights violation that causes profound and permanent harm to women and girls around the world, the aims is to put an end to a practice that is flagrant manifestation of gender inequality. Coordinated and systematic efforts are needed, and they must engage whole communities and focus on human rights, gender equality, sexual education and attention to the needs of women and girls who suffer from its consequences.

International Day of Women and Girls in Science was introduced in 2015 by the United Nations General Assembly to promote full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls, and further achieve gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. A significant gender gap has persisted throughout the years at all levels of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines all over the world. Even though women have made tremendous progress towards increasing their participation in higher education, they are still under-represented these fields. The observance recognizes that science and gender equality are both vital for the achievement of the internationally agreed development goals, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The global community has to yet make a lot of effort in inspiring and engaging women and girls in science.

Zero Discrimination Day was launched by UNAIDS celebrates the right of all to live a full and productive life with dignity. The aim is to increase awareness about the issues to promote inclusion, compassion, and peace. n many countries, laws result in people being treated differently, excluded from essential services or being subject to undue restrictions on how they live their lives, simply because of who they are, what they do or who they love. Such laws are discriminatory—they deny human rights and fundamental freedoms. The observance highlights the need to take action against discriminatory laws and also enact laws that protect people from discrimination. While the governments have to be held accountable, everyone has a responsibility in this endeavour. The day calls upon all stakeholders to contribute and advocates a movement for change and global solidarity to end all forms of discrimination.

International Women’s Day first emerged from the activities of labour movements at the turn of the twentieth century in North America and across Europe. It was officially recognized by the United Nations in 1977 and is celebrated in many countries around the world. It recognizes women for their achievements across the globe, in developed and developing countries without regard to national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political differences. The commemoration strengthens the growing international women’s movements and commitment of nations to overcome gender barriers. It advocates support for gender equality; and actions promoting women’s participation in the political and economic arenas. This includes enhancing opportunities for education and participation in the workforce, especially in science and technology domains.

World Day for Safety and Health at Work has been observed since 2003 as a part of International Labour Organization’s (ILO) strategy on occupational safety and health. It advocates the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases at work globally. It also raises awareness about the need to raise the political profile of occupational safety and health; and creating a culture of practices that can help reduce work-related deaths and injuries. Governments are urged to develop national policies, laws, services and systems enforce compliance with occupational safety; and ensure health. Employers are sensitized to be responsible for ensuring that the working environment is safe and healthy. Workers are also sensitized to be responsible for working safely, protecting themselves, and not endangering others; and further, knowing their rights and participation in the implementation of preventive measures.

Global Parents Day was proclaimed through a resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 17 September 2012. The annual observance recognizes the role of parents in rearing children. It aims at honouring parents throughout the world; in full partnership with civil society, particularly involving young people and children. All cultures, societies and religions recognize (by custom or by decree) the critical role parents play as primary caregivers for upbringing and development of their children; the valuable guidance and support they provide children as teachers and mentors. The celebration gives an opportunity to; highlight the human rights instruments in the best interest of the child; recognize and honour the role of families and responsible parenting in building a better world.

International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict  was proclaimed in 2015 by the United Nations General Assembly. It aims to raise awareness of the need to put an end to conflict-related sexual violence, to honour the victims and survivors of sexual violence around the world and to pay tribute to all those who have courageously devoted their lives to and lost their lives in standing up for the eradication of these crimes. The date commemorates the adoption in 2008 of a resolution by the Security Council condemning sexual violence as a tactic of war and an impediment to peacebuilding.   In response to the rise in violent extremism, the Security Council adopted another resolution in 2016 to address the nexus between trafficking, sexual violence, terrorism and transnational organized crime. Acknowledging sexual violence as a tactic of terrorism, it further affirmed that victims of trafficking and sexual violence committed by terrorist groups should be eligible for official redress as victims of terrorism.

International Widows’ Day aims to motivate support for the unique needs of widows. In addition to the trauma after the loss of a spouse, they often face social stigma, discrimination, exclusion, harmful traditional practices, and economic insecurity due to their marital status. There is need for societies to recognize the human rights of widows and take appropriate actions to empower them to support themselves and their families. This involves enhancing awareness, providing them with information on national laws, access to a fair share of their inheritance, land and productive resources; pensions and social protection; decent work and equal pay; education and training opportunities.

International Self-Care Day was initiated in 2011, led by the Global Self-care Federation to build awareness about importance of selfcare in healthcare and encourage its practice, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (24/7). There is a felt need to explain its importance to all stakeholders, be it general public, healthcare professionals, health officials and media. Effective selfcare can bring benefits to both, the individual and the healthcare systems by reducing unnecessary visits to health professionals. Selfcare promotes wellness and is a vital foundation of health. It reduces spread of non-communicable diseases. The observance inspires engagement and activities promoting self-care for benefit of society at large.

International Youth Day was proposed in 1991 at the first session of the United Nations World Youth Forum and endorsed by the General Assembly as part of its resolution on policies and programmes involving youth in 1999. It celebrates the potential of youth as partners in today’s global society and aims to bring youth issues to the attention of the international community.   There have been several UN resolutions and initiatives that recognize the need for an international policy on youth; and for promoting the ideals of peace, mutual respect and understanding between peoples. Year 1985 was designated as International Youth Year: Participation, Development, Peace. Specific measures have focused on need to address the needs of subgroups such as young people with disabilities, rural and urban youth and young women. World Programme of Action for Youth adopted by the General Assembly in 1996. In 2009, the UN General Assembly proclaimed the year commencing 12 August 2010 as the International Year of Youth. Security Council resolution in 2015 on Youth, Peace and Security represents an unprecedented acknowledgement of the urgent need to engage young peacebuilders in promoting peace and countering extremism, and clearly positions youth as important partners in the global efforts.

Women's Equality Day commemorates the day when women in US were given the right to vote. It recognizes the struggle for women's suffrage It commemorates the adoption of 1920 XIX Amendment to its constitution, prohibiting the states and the federal government form denying the right to vote to citizens of the US on the basis of sex. It was first celebrated in 1971, designated by Congress in 1973, and is proclaimed each year by the United States President.   The long struggle for women's suffrage preceding the amendment is viewed as the first step towards full and equal participation of women in the Nation's life. In recent years, significant strides have addressed sex discrimination through laws and paved new avenues for equal economic opportunity for women.

International Literacy Day is being celebrated since 1967 around the world. It emanates from a resolution adopted at a UNESCO General Conference held in Paris in 1966. The aim is to highlight the importance of literacy as a matter of dignity and human rights, and to advance the literacy agenda towards a more literate and sustainable society. Despite progress made, literacy challenges persist with at least 773 million young people and adults lacking basic literacy skills today. The observance invites all actors around the world, in the field of education and beyond, to mobilize for the literacy of young people, adults and women, so that they too can have the right to dream and be free.

World Teachers’ Day celebrates teachers around the globe since 1994 co-convened in partnership between co-convened in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO), UNICEF and Education International (EI). It commemorates the anniversary of 1966 ILO/UNESCO recommendations concerning the status of teachers which sets benchmarks regarding the rights and responsibilities of teachers, and standards for their initial preparation and further education, recruitment, employment, and teaching and learning conditions. These recommendations were furthered by those concerning the Status of Higher Education Teaching Personnel in 1997. At the current time, teachers are seen at the heart of educational recovery and there is a call on countries to “ invest in them and prioritize them in global education recovery efforts so that every learner has access to a qualified and supported teacher.”

World Mental Health Day was introduced by the United Nations in . The aim of the observance is to raise awareness about mental health and carry out activities along with UN system-wide partner organizations and UN taskforces. The call of action is to protect populations at risk of poor mental health and unequal access to mental healthcare. The theme for 2022 is “Mental Health in an Unequal World’.

International Day of the Girl Child was proclaimed through a resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly adopted in 2011. It recognizes girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world and aims to promote girls’ empowerment and the fulfilment of their human rights. It focuses attention that right to safe, educated and healthy life is critical in formative years for adolescent girls and as they mature into women. Effective support in early years enables girls to mature into women who will have potential to change the world as workers, mothers, household heads, entrepreneurs, mentors, political leaders. Upholding the rights of adolescent girls is an important first step them for realizing their potential for participation as equal partners in solving the problems of climate change, political conflict, economic growth, disease prevention, and global sustainability. The focus is on empowering girls to break boundaries and barriers posed by stereotypes and exclusion, including those directed at children with disabilities and those living in marginalized communities.

International Day of Rural Women was established by the UN General Assembly in 2008 to recognize the critical role and contribution of rural women, including indigenous women, in enhancing agricultural and rural development, improving food security and eradicating rural poverty. It aims to focus the attention of governments and civil societies on the need for socio-economic and political empowerment of rural and indigenous women. There is need for designing laws to ensure that they are accorded full and equal rights to own land and other property; and enable full and equal participation in decision-making at all levels, This entails formulating policies and developing specific assistance and training programs for them to promote education, financial literacy, entrepreneurial, economic and business skills; access to microcredit, and other financial and business services.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women has been observed by Women's rights activists since 1981. It honours Mirabal sisters, three political activists from the Dominican Republic who were brutally murdered in 1960 by order of the country’s ruler. The day was officially designated by UN in 2000 paving the path towards eradicating violence against women and girls worldwide. The aim is to raise public awareness; and enhance both policymaking and resources dedicated to ending violence against women and girls worldwide.   Much effort is needed yet on the global scale. Only two out of three countries have outlawed domestic violence; 37 countries worldwide still exempt rape perpetrators from prosecution if they are married to or eventually marry the victim; and 49 countries currently have no laws protecting women from domestic violence.