Maryam Nawaz, Shehzad Roy and other public figures are celebrating female strength this Women's Day

March 8 is International Women's Day — a day meant to celebrate women and raise awareness for their rights around the world. Many of Pakistan's public figures, politicians and celebrities took to social media and shared special messages on the occasion, celebrating women as "the epitome of strength and courage" and calling on everyone to demand the rights guaranteed to women in the Constitution.

Celebrities like Shehzad Roy, Atiqa Odho and Shaniera Akram took to Instagram to wish everyone a happy Women's Day.

Roy wished the "students, teachers and management team of Zindagi Trust and everyone else" on the occasion and celebrated the achievement of school going girls in various sports. "There is no field that girls can't excel in when given the opportunity," he said. "They can leave all us men behind."

"May we always embrace our strengths and empower each other," posted Odho on Instagram.

Akram wished everyone on March 8, saying the day is "not about putting down men but about respecting and uplifting each other". "It is a day to celebrate so loud that those who don't think they are enough will hear our roar!" she said.

PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz took to Twitter to post a special message as well. "To every woman out there. You are the epitome of strength and courage. You define the very fabric of the society. You make the world beautiful. It is said that being a woman itself is a superpower. Make the most of it. You go girls," she posted.

Models Kiran Malik and Mushk Kaleem also wished their followers on Instagram stories.

Every year on March 8, men and women take part in Aurat Marches across the country to demand institutional and social change to uplift women in Pakistan. PPP Senator Sherry Rehman took to Twitter and urged everyone to keep fighting the good fight.

Actor Adnan Malik urged everyone to march as well and expressed sadness over not being able to attend this year's Aurat March because of a "debilitating case of food poisoning".

He also used the opportunity to highlight captain of Pakistan Women's Cricket Team Bismah Maroof for thriving as a mother and cricketer, without having to choose one over the other.

He commended Maroof's husband, Abrar Ahmad, for supporting the athlete, as he should.

Cricketers Shahid Afridi and Sana Mir also posted on social media.

"You are the nourishing power of the universe," Afridi wrote. "You make it come alive, more colourful and inspirational. Being a father of 5 wonderful girls, I can proudly say women have the strength to move the world. Let's celebrate them everyday and support them to break the bias."

"Happy Women's day to all," tweeted Mir.

Happy Women's Day to everyone from team Images!