Every year on March 8th, we celebrate International Women’s Day. But why do we celebrate it? For most, it’s just been something we’ve been doing for years. With the rise of social media, the occasion has become a commonly used hashtag.
Why is This Day Important?
After the Socialist Party of America organized a Women’s Day in New York City on February 28, 1909, this gathering caught the eye of others. At the 1910 International Socialist Woman’s Conference, German delegates Clara Zetkin, Käte Duncker, Paula Thiede, and others proposed that “a special Women’s Day” be organized annually. After women gained suffrage in Soviet Russia in 1917, March 8th became a national holiday there. The occasion mostly remained as a socialist and communist practice until the feminist movement came on board around 1967. The United Nations began celebrating the day in 1977. From its origins to today, International Women’s Day is when we celebrate the social, economic, and political achievements of women.
Women’s Historic Achievements
International Women’s Day is a good time to recognize and celebrate women in history. The theme for 2021 National Women’s History Month is Valiant Women of the Vote: Refusing to Be Silenced. A victory as important as women winning the right to vote deserves the spotlight.
One key recent breakthrough event in women’s history is Kamala Harris’ appointment as the Vice President of the US, the first female in this position in the history of the nation. In a broader level, more and more women have begun to occupy positions in governments, large corporations, and leadership teams.
Prevailing Gender Inequalities
We celebrate International Women’s Day each year, thinking we are helping women, but just recognizing the one-day occasion is not enough. There are still countries where education is barred from women because of long-standing cultural norms and lack of schools. Some countries also bar women from working and so wives and mothers can only depend on their husbands to earn money. Without any financial independence, these women may have to take to the streets if their husbands leave them or die.
The collective fight for women’s rights continues and we see changes taking place in different parts of the world. Changes aren’t just the big headline moments in the news, legal victories, or international agreements. It’s also about the way we talk, think, and act every day. As long as there is progress and people willing to advocate for women, there is hope for a more equitable future.
How to Celebrate Women
Each year we recognize prominent women across disciplines, but also those who take care of the household, such as mothers and wives. International Women’s Day is a time to reflect how far women have come, advocate for more progress, and continue breaking down barriers. Here are just a couple of ways we can all support women, whether we know them personally or not:
- Build a workplace environment where women can thrive
With wage differences between women and men, cases of sexual harassment, and unbalanced power dynamics, women can be disadvantaged at work. Make sure your company embraces gender equality and listen to their needs.
- Recognize and celebrate the achievements of women in your life
Whether it’s applauding your female co-worker for earning that promotion or celebrating your daughter’s acceptance to their first-choice college, make the women in your life feel seen and heard.
- Celebrate women in STEM
Though more women are pursuing STEM degrees and getting jobs in these fields, STEM is still male-dominated. Help women in STEM be more visible and amplify their voices by celebrating them. Often, their achievements are understated, phrased as a collaborative effort with male co-workers, or dismissed/erased altogether. Let’s work to change that.
- Embrace women who are changing the world of sports and athletics
Female athletes are setting records and making their achievements known to the world. Serena Williams (tennis) and Simone Biles (gymnastics) are just a few examples. On International Women’s Day, applaud the physical and mental strength of these women.
Conclusion
Green School Green Future supports women, whether they are teachers, mothers, daughters, astronauts, scientists, athletes, or in any other role. Our curriculum will provide every student with hands-on sustainable activities, teaching them how to grow their own food and use renewable energy. We will equip girls with the skills to become the responsible green leaders who will change our world for the better.
