March 8th is International Women’s Day. A day that celebrates the social, political, economic, and cultural achievements of women all over the world and throughout history. It also promotes women’s equality and inspires support for organizations that help women globally. Each year people come together worldwide not only to celebrate women’s achievements but to rally for gender equality and to raise awareness of gender bias and discrimination.
UN Women announced the theme for International Women’s Day 2021 which is, “Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 Pandemic”. This celebrates the outstanding efforts of women around the world and the world in shaping a more equal future and a recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. This day is significant because it is time to reflect on how far women have come, fight for what is still needed, and implement change to continue breaking down barriers.
How it all began...
According to the United Nations, International Women’s Day took place for the first time on March 8th, 1911. In New York City in 1908, thousands of women gathered and marched for better labor laws, working conditions, and the right to vote. A year later, on February 28th, 1909, Suffragists and Socialists gathered again in Manhattan for what they considered the first International Women’s Day.
German socialist Clara Zetkin presented the idea of making the holiday international. This idea made its way through Europe before being introduced at the International Conference of Women in Copenhagen. One hundred women representing 17 countries agreed on the designation and the day was formally honored on March 8th, 1911. Since then, International Women’s Day has grown bigger, stronger, and popular in many different countries. The holiday was not largely celebrated or acknowledged in the U.S. until 1975 when the United Nations began sponsoring International Women’s Day.
Celebrating International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day is celebrated differently in countries across the globe. From China and Nepal to Uganda, here is how some countries around the world celebrate International Women’s Day:
China
International Women’s Day has been a national holiday in China since 1949. Many women are given a half-day off work each year. On Women’s Day in China, men show their love and appreciation for the women in their lives with special surprises such as gifts, cards, and flowers.
Russia
In Russia, this day is very similar to Valentine’s Day along with Mother’s Day. It has become a romantic occasion when men buy women flowers and heart-shaped chocolates, and shops are packed with champagne and greeting cards. Instead of political comments calling for gender equality, men make romantic gestures.
Italy
In Italy, International Women’s Day, or la Festa della Donna, is celebrated by giving mimosa flowers. The root of this tradition is unknown, but it is believed to have begun in Rome after World War II.
United States
In the U.S., the month of March is Women’s History Month. This has been an ongoing celebration since February 1980 when former President Jimmy Carter declared the week of March 8th as National Women’s History Week.
History Making Women
There are many women across the globe and throughout history who have made a significant contribution to society. The most well-known names include Michelle Obama, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Hilary Clinton, and Angela Merkel. In honor of International Women’s Day, we want to highlight a few women who have inspired us all!
Kalpana Chawla
Kalpana was the first Indian-born woman in space. In 1982, she received her Bachelor of Science degree in aeronautical engineering from Punjab Engineering College in India. She later received her Master’s in aerospace engineering from the University of Texas-Arlington in 1984 and her doctorate degree from the University of Colorado in 1988. On February 1st, 2003, Kalpana was one of the seven crew members killed in the Space Shuttle Columbia Disaster. More about Kalpana.
Tsai Ing-Wen
Tsai Ing-Wen made history in 2016 after becoming Taiwan’s first female president. She received her law degree in 1978 from National Taiwan University in Taipei and then attended Cornell University and London School of Economics earning her master’s and doctorate degrees in law. She is currently listed as the 37th most powerful woman in the world by Forbes. More about Tsai.
Stacey Abrams
Stacey Abrams is a lawyer, a politician, and an author of novels and political books. In 2010, Stacey was the first woman to lead either party in the Georgia General Assembly and the first African American to lead the House of Representatives. Dedicated to civic engagement, she is the founder of the New Georgia Project, which submitted more than 200,000 registrations from voters of color between 2014 and 2016. Abrams earned degrees from Spelman College, Texas University, and Yale Law School. More about Stacey.
Malala Yousafzai
At the age of 15, Malala confronted the Taliban in Pakistan and advocated for girl’s education. As a result, she was shot in the head by the Taliban in 2012 and survived. By 2014, she became the youngest person to ever receive the Nobel Peace Prize. She later went on to attend Oxford University and uses her platform to bring attention to human rights issues around the world. More about Malala.
Jacinda Ardern
In 2017, Jacinda became New Zealand’s youngest prime minister at the age of 37 in more than 150 years. Arden is commended on handling the 2017 Christchurch Mosque shooting and public health response to COVID-19, which saw early lockdown and limited spread compared to many other countries. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and Political Science from the University of Waikato. More about Jacinda.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s celebration will be much different. There are many virtual events expected to take place around the world. Check out what’s happening in your country! You can also participate in the International Women’s Day #ChooseToChallenge theme by sending in a picture of yourself with your hand high. This will show your commitment to choose to challenge inequality, call out bias, question stereotypes, and help forge an inclusive world. Submit your photo’s today!
