2020 marked the IHF’s first celebration of gender equality month, driven by the United Nations within the context of the Sustainable Development Goals – specifically goal number five: achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. 

2020 saw the anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action as well as Security Council resolution 1325, which focused on different elements of women’s rights, empowerment, peace and security. It was also the start of the Decade of Action, aiming to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. 

Since then, the IHF have marked March as a month to celebrate women in handball, mainly through an editorial series on women in different roles across all continents. International Women’s Day – a day that focuses on the celebration of women’s achievement, increasing visibility of important equality issues and calling out inequality – takes place in March and forms part of the IHF’s special celebration of women in the sport throughout the month.

While March is a significant month in regard to concentration on progress in equality, it is a month that can inspire the holding of the values promoted by the UN goal of gender equality year-round. The month brings a focus on women and their stories, but also an opportunity for all to join the conversation. 

On ihf.info throughout March, the stories of women in handball will be highlighted, with all continents featured in this worldwide exploration of those contributing to handball in various capacities – from players to coaches to those in governance. The IHF social media channels will also feature special content highlighting female players. 

The theme for International Women’s Day on March 8 is ‘Break the bias’. “Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women's equality. Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias. Celebrate women's achievement. Raise awareness against bias. Take action for equality,” states the official website. 

The IHF encourages the handball community to participate in the social media conversation surrounding gender equality throughout March, and especially on International Women’s Day, by using the hashtags #IWD2022 and #BreakTheBias.