This year's theme is Inspiring Change, aimed at further communicating and calling for the changes that we have seen in recent years.
Women are now much more seen as equals, but there is still a long way to go - that's the message of this year's campaign on March 8.
With that in mind, we've put together some of today's most inspirational and influential female figures and how they are "inspiring change", in time for International Women's Day 2014.
Jennifer Lawrence
Championing: Non-conformity / healthy body image
Her message: "I'm never going to starve myself for a part, I don't want little girls to be like, 'Oh, I want to look like Katniss [Hunger Games character], so I'm going to skip dinner. That's something I was really conscious of during training, when you're trying to get your body to look exactly right. I was trying to get my body to look fit and strong, not thin and underfed." (source).
"So all of the sudden being funny is making fun of the girl that's wearing an ugly dress. And the word fat! I just think it should be illegal to call somebody fat on TV. "I mean, if we're regulating cigarettes and sex and cuss words, because of the effect they have on our younger generation, why aren't we regulating things like calling people fat?" (source).
Why we love her: It's hard not to when you've heard her infectious passion for equality and fairness when it comes to women's body image - as well as photo manipulation in showbiz and fashion magazines. Most of all, she is "real" and she's stayed that way. A lot of actresses, pop stars, models etc claim fame doesn't change them - J Law is one of few that has actually stayed that way!
Official Website: http://jenniferslawrence.com/
IMAGE: Promotional image of Jennifer Lawrence from the American Hustle movie trailer (http://jenniferlawrence.org)
Michelle Obama
Championing: Gender equality
Her message: "As long as we stay engaged, and we keep empowering women, I have no doubt we will see a woman in the Oval Office very soon... Like I tell my daughters, women and girls can do whatever they want." (source)
"There is absolutely no limit on what we can achieve, and I hope that every young woman approaches life that way. We can become even more successful if we support each other, empower each other, and mentor the next generation so they can stand on our shoulders." (source)
Why we love her: As the first African-American First Lady, Michelle has shown nothing but strength and support for her husband, her daughters and her country's people. The US presidential campaign for Barack Obama was filled with insight in to his family life, thrusting Michelle into the spotlight. She regularly speaks about the importance of family, healthy eating and showing her daughters they can be and do whatever they wish to, as they are independent and equal to men. She's not only been a glamorous extra to Barack's campaign, she is a role model in her own right for women across America and now, the globe.
Official Twitter: @MichelleObama
IMAGE: Promotional image of First Lady Michelle Obama from The White House (http://www.whitehouse.gov)
Kim Cattrall
Championing: Age equality for women in showbiz
Her message: "When I turned 35 the amount of scripts I was sent cut in half, or a little bit more, three quarters of the roles were available, it was relegating to supporting roles and mum roles, which can be rewarding, but I thought 'Well, I have more life experience'... If I want to see more stories about women my age and people my age, I'm sure other people do." (source)
"Despite everything, age is still a form of castration for women. And what kind of life do you have outside of the limelight? Where do you go to age? To retire? You think of these movie stars of today who have everything but most come home to a lonely existence." (source)
Why we love her: Kim has spoken openly many a time about the effect of her Sex and the City character, Samantha Jones, on society, relationships and her own personal life. However, her profound words of wisdom on aging as a woman - and the industry these celebrity females face - is what gets her our respect today. The Liverpool-born actress (although has long-resided in Canada and the USA) has long held the opinion that her 40-something character Samantha changed the general consensus on how young or old a woman can be, to still be "sexy", however she still fights for strong, gutsy, non-Mumsy roles to be created for women in the movie industry of a similar age.
Official Twitter: @KimCattrall
IMAGE: Promotional image of Kim Cattrall from the Sex and the City 2 movie trailer (http://kim-cattrall.net)
Beyonce
Championing: Gender equality / Empowering women
Her message: "We need to reshape our own perception of how we view ourselves. We have to step up as women and take the lead." (source)
“Women have to work much harder to make it in this world. It really p*isses me off that women don’t get the same opportunities as men do, or money for that matter. Because lets face it, money gives men the power to run the show. It gives men the power to define our values and to define what’s sexy and what’s feminine and that’s bulls**t. At the end of the day, it’s not about equal rights, it’s about how we think. We have to reshape our own perception of how we view ourselves.” (source)
Why we love her: If the last quote doesn't prove it, we'll say it - she's not afraid to speak up and say what she thinks!
Official website: http://www.beyonce.com/
IMAGE: Promotional image of Beyonce Knowles from the 'Love on Top' music video shoot (http://www.thebeyoncearchive.com)
March 8: International Women's Day
There is a very important message behind the upcoming day, so watch the video below, visit the official International Women's Day website (http://www.internationalwomensday.com/) and show your support for gender equality.
