Every year on March 8th, we celebrate ‘International Women’s Day’. But, why do we celebrate has never been much of a question? Some day someone just told you about this day and with the rise of social media, it became a commonly used hashtag. But, what is the significance of this day? Well, according to Wikipedia, After the Socialist Party of America organized a Women’s Day in New York City on February 28, 1909, German delegates Clara Zetkin, Käte Duncker, Paula Thiede and others proposed at the 1910 International Socialist Woman’s Conference that “a special Women’s Day” be organized annually. After women gained suffrage in Soviet Russia in 1917, March 8 became a national holiday there. The day was then predominantly celebrated by the socialist movement and communist countries until it was adopted by the feminist movement in about 1967. The United Nations began celebrating the day in 1977. It is a day where we celebrate the social, economic, and political achievements of the movement.
Valiant Women of the Vote: Refusing to Be Silenced is the 2021 National Women’s History Month theme. The theme “captures the spirit of these challenging times. … “These deepen our understanding and shine a brilliant new light on local women’s political involvement, development, and leadership. A victory as important as women winning the right to vote deserves an extended celebration. That’s why the National Women’s History Alliance is leading the drive to celebrate women’s historic achievements throughout 2021.
Each year we recognize women in the growth in any field or women who even tackle the daily chores of their life. The global celebration of International Women’s Day is a time for reflection of how far women have come, advocacy for what is still needed, and action to continue breaking down barriers. Let’s consider a recent event that took place in the United States. Kamala Harris being appointed as the Vice President. She is the first female Vice President of the United States. Now, this is definitely worth celebrating in the world of Women. While some women made progress in the world, a lot more struggled and suffered too. This day gives us an opportunity to reflect on how we can create a gender equality ground for and reflect on changes that are required to make this a possibility. Change isn’t just about big headline moments, legal victories and international agreements: the way we talk, think and act every day can create a ripple effect that benefits everyone.
Ways in which we can support each other:
- Applaud women in each and every field
- Build a workplace environment where women can thrive equally
- Increase the visibility of achievements done by women
- Celebrate women in the tech and innovation industry
- Embrace women who are changing the sport and athletic world
- Educate women to make the right decision clinically and health-wise and so many more ways…
But, are we really getting into the progressive world of women or are we leaning backwards? We celebrate International Women’s Day each year thinking that we are making a contribution to progress women in the world, but there are still countries that consider women getting educated as taboo or even offensive. This is due to orthodox culture and insufficient availability of educational institutions. There are women in different parts of the world that are stopped from working or not allowed to work because the ‘man of the house’ is earning. Even though the situation may change, she is still not allowed to work. Women in many countries are left on the streets after they lose their sole bread earners. It disheartening when you read their stories and struggles. The fight continues and we see changes taking place in different parts of the world. While not every country is on board with this change, we as women can make a little impact and create a revolution in no time.
Green School Green Future support women in the roles they take in their life, teachers, mothers, daughters, astronauts, scientists and any other role that women choose for herself.
Blog Image Credit: Omar Lopez https://unsplash.com/
Written By Minnie Tuteja
