‘Burn your bras! Today is to celebrate us’: Victoria Beckham issues a rallying cry to ‘girls and women across the world’ as she leads the star celebrations on International Women’s Day
- Marked annually, the event is held to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, while raising awareness regarding gender equality and parity across the globe
- This year’s theme ‘Choose to Challenge’ has racked up thousands of posts across social media, with many posting selfies on Instagram with one hand in the air alongside a detailed caption
- On Twitter, the hashtag has become a way of spreading awareness of protests taking place in over 40 countries including China, Russia, Israel and the United Kingdom
Victoria and David Beckham lead the celebrity tributes on Monday morning as International Women’s Day kicked off with an empowering new message and another opportunity to celebrate with balloons, gifts and obligatory messages of support.
Marked annually, the event is held to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, while raising awareness regarding gender equality and parity across the globe.
And Victoria, 46, paid tribute to ‘all the ladies and young girls out there’ in a short, empowering video message shared with her 28 million Instagram followers.
It’s all about us: Victoria Beckham urged her female fans to ‘burn their bras’ in a message that accompanied a short, celebratory video on Monday morning
Here we go: David Beckham joined the celebrity tributes on Monday morning as International Women’s Day kicked off with an empowering new message and another opportunity to celebrate with balloons, gifts and obligatory messages of support
Addressing the camera, she said: ‘Happy international women’s day to all the ladies and young girls out there. Today it’s all about us, and OK and it’s good to celebrate us.
‘Over the years I’ve had so many incredible women influence me and I feel so blessed to have the incredible team of women at Victoria Beckham and Victoria Beckham Beauty, you inspire me every day. I feel very, very lucky, I feel very, very blessed.’
Adding a shirt caption the fashion designer also urged women across the world to take a stand, writing: ‘Burn your bras! To all young girls and women all over the world, today is to celebrate us!! Kisses and Happy International Women’s Day.’
Recognising the most important females in his life, David, 45, credited Victoria, their daughter Harper and his devoted mother Sandra in a series of Instagram posts.
In the first, the former Manchester United, Real Madrid and England midfielder pictured himself Harper, nine, the youngest of his four children with Victoria.
Beckham also included separate images of his wife and daughter, alongside a fourth image of himself and mum Sandra attending an event.
Captioning the images, he wrote: ‘I’ve been so lucky to have such incredible and strong women inspire me throughout my life. Today and everyday we celebrate all women around the world… Happy International Women’s day’
Especially for you: The former footballer shared a series of images, among them a shot of fashion designer wife Victoria
Proud: Beckham’s mother Sandra was also pictured at a showbiz event with her son in a throwback posted on Monday
Number one girl: The devoted father included more than one shot of his nine year old daughter as he celebrated International Women’s Day
David and Victoria’s middle son Romeo, 18, also recognised the date by paying tribute to model girlfriend Mia Regan.
The teenager followed his father’s lead by sharing throwbacks of himself and the pretty brunette, also 18, with the accompanying caption: ‘Happy international woman’s day to this incredible girl 🙂 I love u.’
With this year’s theme representing challenge in the fight against gender bias and inequality, presenter Davina McCall defied convention by crediting a man for his work on behalf of women’s rights.
Especially for you: David and Victoria’s middle son Romeo, 18, also recognised the date by paying tribute to model girlfriend Mia Regan
Smitten: The teenager followed his father’s lead by sharing throwbacks of himself and the pretty brunette
Sharing a short video on Monday morning, the 53-year old admitted close friend and fellow presenter Jonathan Ross was an advocate of women’s causes.
She said: ‘Happy International Women’s Day. I actually want to shout out a man; I’m going to say thank you to Jonathan Ross. He’s a massive supporter of women and equal rights and he does it kind of quite quietly but he’s really brilliant.
‘Thanks to the men that support us on our journey. I’m going to be fighting this year for women to get better help around the menopause. I think this is a great place of inequality because I think that if men went through the menopause they would not be having the hard time we have trying to get help with it.’
My girls: Victoria and Harper were pictured locked in an embrace in another picture shared by David to mark the occasion
My turn: Harper Beckham was also given an opportunity to wish followers a happy International Women’s Day
Getting involved: With this year’s theme representing challenge in the fight against gender bias and inequality, presenter Davina McCall defied convention by crediting Jonathan Ross for his work on behalf of women’s rights
You can’t spell hero without her: Calum Best shared his own tribute on International Women’s Day
Three generations: Former Made In Chelsea star Binky Felstead shared a shot of herself with mother Jane and daughter India
Meanwhile Hollywood star Carey Mulligan referenced International Women’s Day after winning the best actress trophy at the 2021 Critics Choice Awards on Sunday evening.
The British star, 35, participated in the remote event from her home in the United Kingdom and appeared initially quite overcome when her name was announced.
‘Oh, my goodness. Gosh. Thank you so much…. It’s very early in the morning here. I’m trying to gather my thoughts,’ she responded.
Mulligan then went on: ‘I’m aware that it is very early at the beginning of International Women’s Day today. I am so honored to be recognized amongst these incredible female performances.’
My girls: Former S Club 7 star Rachel Stevens posed with daughters Amelie and Minnie for a lovely International Women’s Day tribute on Monday morning
Delighted: Meanwhile Hollywood star Carey Mulligan referenced International Women’s Day after winning the best actress trophy at the 2021 Critics Choice Awards on Sunday evening
Special moment: ‘I’m aware that it is very early at the beginning of International Women’s Day today. I am so honored to be recognized amongst these incredible female performances,’ she said
Model Daisy Lowe, 32, referenced the day by sharing a snap of herself alongside designer mother Pearl Lowe and half-sister Betty, Peal’s daughter with Supergrass drummer Danny Goffey.
Captioning the shot, she wrote: ‘Happy international women’s day… without women, there would be no humanity. My one of kind sisterhood, thank you for walking through this mad old journey we call life.
‘Here’s to every women, all so beautiful, smart, courageous, vulnerable, tender, extraordinary & strong in all their own magical way.
‘May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.’
For you: Manchester United and England striker Marcus Rashford paid tribute to mum Melanie, who raised him as a single parent
Standing together: Model Daisy Lowe shared an image of herself alongside mother Pearl Lowe and half-sister Betty Goffey
Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford, 23, also ensured the day was recognised by sharing a shot of mum Melanie proudly holding his BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.
Paying tribute to his mother, who raised him as a single parent, he wrote: ‘Happy International Women’s Day. Let’s champion. Let’s celebrate. Let’s uplift. We appreciate you!’
Former Love Island star Olivia Bowen, 27, celebrated by pouring herself a bubble bath before settling down for a soak with a large glass of red wine.
You’re worth it! Geri Horner paid tribute to 50 years of L’Oreal Paris and their famous tagline on Monday morning
Radio gaga: Heart Breakfast hosts Amanda Holden and Ashley Roberts were also on hand to celebrate
Loose woman: Jane Moore wore a special jumper in honour of International Women’s Day
Sharing a short video with Instagram followers, she wrote: ‘HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY! Cheers ladies, let’s plan world domination.’
Elsewhere fiery celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, 54, showed his rarely seen softer side Gordon Ramsay by paying tribute to the female chefs who have helped turn his restaurant chain into a global success.
Sharing a handful of images, he wrote: ‘This #internationalwomensday I’m so happy to recognise the incredible female talent both in the kitchens and front of house around the world …. Without them we wouldn’t be as strong as we are !! Thank you for your incredible work.’
Moving: Christine McGuinness shared an empowering message to her mother, who is close to finishing her sixth week of chemotherapy after being diagnosed with breast cancer
Speaking out: Former Loose Women star Andrea McLean shared her own empowering message to fellow women on Monday
Quality time: I’m A Celeb winner Giovanna Fletcher spoiled herself as the celebrations got underway
Respect: Former Emmerdale actress and Loose Women panelist Lisa Riley had a special message for all the women in her life
Cheers! Former Love Island star Olivia Bowen celebrated by drinking wine in thew bath on Monday morning
Cherish it: Former Pop Idol judge Nicki Chapman made her presence felt as the celebrations got underway on Monday
Christine McGuiness, 32, took the opportunity to reach out to her mother, who is on the verge of completingt six weeks of chemotherapy after being diagnosed with breast cancer.
She wrote: ‘This week my mum will finish her 6 months of chemotherapy for aggressive breast cancer (her2 positive with estrogeon). Her treatment will continue with radio therapy but finishing her chemo is a massive milestone.
‘Her love and strength never ceases to amaze me, she’s been a fighter her while life. Blessed to have my mum. I am a strong woman because a strong woman raised me.’
It’s all about you: Gordon Ramsay showed his softer side by paying tribute to the female chefs who have helped turn his restaurant chain i
It’s all about you: Gordon Ramsay showed his softer side by paying tribute to the female chefs who have helped turn his restaurant chain into a global success
Australian model Lara Bingle – the wife of actor Sam Worthington – later revealed she was hosting a live Pilates session on behalf of the special day.
The 33-year old announced the event on her Instagram Stories on Sunday, sharing a short clip showing her working out.
She captioned it: ‘To celebrate International Women’s Day, I will be going live at 6.30am tomorrow for a workout with Fluidform Pilates.’
She added: ‘All proceeds go to the Warrior Woman Foundation. Join us before our kids wake up!’
Simply the best: Fearne Cotton highlighted the ‘positivity and good vibes’ of inspirational women across the globe
It’s all for you: Former Strictly Come Dancing star AJ Pritchard honoured his mother as well as girlfriend Abbie Quinnen on Monday morning
Old times: AJ shared a throwback of himself and his grandmother while paying tribute to the women in his life
WHY EQUALITY IS STILL FAR OFF
* Just 220 out of 650 seats in Parliament are held by women.
* An estimated 303,000 women worldwide die in childbirth or during pregnancy each year.
* On average, women earn 24 per cent less than men, the UN found. Equality will not be until 2059.
* One woman in three is a victim of sexual or physical violence.
* Only 48 women have been awarded Nobel Prizes – 822 men.
* Sex-selective abortions have led to 23 million fewer girls being born, mainly in China and India.
* One woman in four alive today was a child bride.
* Female genital mutilation is thought to affect 137,000 women and girls in the UK.
* Ninety per cent of the world’s population hold some prejudice against women, a UN study found last week.
This year’s theme ‘Choose to Challenge’ has racked up thousands of posts across social media, with many posting selfies on Instagram with one hand in the air alongside a detailed caption explaining the bias and inequalities they’re championing.
On Twitter, the hashtag has become a way of spreading awareness of protests taking place in over 40 countries – with people spotted in China and Russia arranging flowers, and women in Israel laying in mock coffins to represent those who’ve been killed as a result of domestic violence.
In 1909, a street protest by thousands of striking US textile workers inspired International Women’s Day.
Last year, from the streets of Manila to the plazas of the Chilean capital, Santiago, people around the world marked International Women’s Day with calls to end exploitation and increase equality.
In London last year, the March4Women – hosted by Women’s Equality Party founder Sandi Toksvig – combined feminist and climate movements, with the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan in attendance.
Up to 500 women took part in a sunrise swim at Portobello beach in Edinburgh for International Women’s Day, braving the cold waters to celebrate.
In Australia, supporters wore purple to mark International Women’s Day during the Women’s T20 World Cup final match between Australia and India at the MCG in Melbourne.
Members of the women’s movement FEMEN have staged a protest on the Place de la Concorde in Paris, calling for an end to patriarchy.
Demonstrators from Extinction Rebellion have been protesting in London, arguing that the ‘climate is a women’s issue’. Thirty one women formed a topless chain on Waterloo Bridge in London, with the words ‘Climate Rape’ written on their bodies.
At the march in London musicians and actors including Emeli Sandé, who performed, and the Kaiser Chief’s Ricky Wilson were in attendance, as were activists including Sandi Toksvig, Bianca Jagger and Helen Pankhurst.
Work it: Australian model Lara Bingle – the wife of actor Sam Worthington – later revealed she was hosting a live Pilates session on behalf of the special day
Fit and healthy: The 33-year old announced the event on her Instagram Stories on Sunday, sharing a short clip showing her working out
The march aims to put the spotlight on the women battling climate crisis and call for action from world leaders.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan told The Guardian: ‘I’m proud to be marching alongside women and allies this International Women’s Day. The gender inequality we still see in our city, country and globally is unacceptable.
‘As Mayor, and as a proud feminist, I’m determined that no woman or girl should be disadvantaged just because of their gender and want London to lead the way in changing that.’
Social media has been flooded with posts about International Women’s Day ahead of the annual observance on 8 March. Pictured: Protesters in Turkey
A photograph taken in the Netherlands shows people of varying ages coming together to campaign for gender equality
Thousands of people across America have taken to the streets protesting on behalf of women, while also raising awareness of those who’ve suffered injustice and abuse
The march began at the Royal Festival Hall as part of the Women of the World festival and continued over the river Thames before heading to Whitehall place then Parliament Square for music and a final rally.
Research by Nottingham University Business School shows that only 51 per cent of women feel comfortable negotiating higher pay, compared to 74 per cent of men.
Shockingly, the research also found that only 62 per cent of women workers feel they can state their value to their employer, in contrast with 82 per cent of men.
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