International Women’s Day #EmbraceEquity

International Women’s Day is an annual global holiday celebrated on March 8th that recognizes the social, cultural, and economic achievements of women. It's a time for everyone to act and advocate for women's rights, including issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence against women.

But how did this day become a movement, and why is it so important?

During the 1900s, women everywhere didn’t have much of a role in society. They couldn’t vote, join the parliament, have access to legal support, get proper education, get divorced, get equal pay in the working field, and weren't allowed in certain public areas. 

Growing tired and frustrated with the current rules put in place, women from all over became more vocal and active for change. Causing some women, like Emmeline Pankhurst from the UK, to respond by creating the Women’s Social and Political Union in 1903 or causing others to form rallies like the 15,000 women march in NYC in 1908.

In 1910, the International Conference of Working Women was held in Copenhagen, having over 100 women from 17 countries attending. They proposed that every country, every year, should celebrate women and their movement on the same day, sparking the result of International Women’s Day.

Of course, the change didn’t happen overnight. And while the spark of the global holiday was a milestone, women continued to protest and fight. Events such as the First World War would also contribute to the women’s suffrage movement as it changed how people viewed women in the working field and workforce.

Eventually, the United Nations recognized International Women’s Day, with them declaring the first annual theme for the day in 1996.

For more information and to get a better insight on the timeline for International Women’s Day, visit https://www.internationalwomensday.com/Activity/15586/The-history-of-IWD

Current Day

In today’s day and age, many more countries are starting to support International Women's Day and celebrate March 8th. This year’s campaign theme for International Women’s Day is #EmbraceEquity. While gender equality is essential, gender equity is just as important. The goal for this year is to get the world talking about why equal opportunities aren't enough. People start from different places, so true inclusion requires equitable action.

Here is How You Can Celebrate International Women’s Day

• Send your female friends or family members a text to let them know you appreciate them.
• Educate yourself on gender inequalities.
• Speak out against sexism and misogyny when you encounter it.
• Snap a photo striking the IWD 2023 pose and share it online using the #EmbraceEquity hashtag! The stance signifies hugging yourself to show solidarity.
• Use the IWD free resources online at https://www.internationalwomensday.com/Resources
• Support women-owned businesses in your community!
• Donate to charities that make it their mission to support women, either locally or globally. Consider donating to organizations like Women for Women International, Manitoba Women’s Institute, and The Nellie McClung Foundation.

“Collective activism is what drives change. When we embrace equity, we embrace diversity, and we embrace inclusion.”

We hope this article has helped you understand International Women’s Day and how to celebrate it. For more information, visit https://www.internationalwomensday.com

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