International Women's Day (IWD) was first held in 1911 and is a specific day, 8th March, that worldwide celebrates the achievements of women and marks a call to action for celebrating gender equality. The over arching aims are to:

• celebrate women's achievements and successes.
• raise awareness of gender inequality through shining a light on persistent issues such as gender-based violence and unequal access to education and opportunities.
• mobilise action for equality to create a more inclusive world for women.
• foster solidarity among people of all genders in support of women's rights and gender parity.
• fundraise for women-focused charities and elevate the visibility of their work.

Purple, green and white are the colours of women's suffrage and are widely adopted for IWD.

There are many, many examples of inspiring women worldwide and this blog recognises the ongoing struggle of the Afghanistan Women's Cricket Team. Records show that there was a team in 2012 which then folded but was officially relaunched in 2020 when a talent camp led to 25 players being given contracts. However, in 2021 they were forced to flee from the Taliban, aided by the former Australian cricketer, Mel Jones. Nineteen players made a terrifying journey to Australia and Mel Jones helped organise emergency humanitarian visas, money and safe passage for the players and their families.

Last year the team played an exhibition match in Australia and the players dream of playing on the international stage but require backing from the ICC. Having a women's team is part of the criteria for a country to become a full member of the ICC, yet despite no longer having a women's cricket team Afghanistan receives full funding and Test status. The English Cricket Board has called on the ICC to take action with the chief executive, Richard Gould, writing to the global governing body to take action after what he called 'gender apartheid'. He also called for Afghanistan's funding to be withheld until women's cricket is reinstated and support given to Afghan women players.

Among others giving vital support and funds, the Marylebone Cricket Club Foundation UK has pledged that Afghanistan's women players will be the first beneficiaries of their new Global Refugee Cricket Fund. At a time when women in Afghanistan feel they have no voice, this team will not be silenced.