International Women's Day

March 8th is International Women’s Day. This day is a global day that celebrates all of the historical, cultural, and political achievements of women across the world. The day was also established to support action against gender inequality throughout all facets of life across the world.

In the early 1900s, women were overworked, underpaid from their male counterparts, and had no voting rights. In 1908, over 15,000 women marched through New York City to demand their rights. In 1909, the first National Women’s Day was observed. On August 18,1920, the 19th Amendment was ratified and white women gained the right to vote in the United States. It wasn’t until the passage of the Voting Rights Act in 1965 that allowed black people to now have the right to vote by forbidding states from imposing discriminatory restrictions.

The 2022 campaign theme for International Women’s Day is #BreakTheBias. “Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women’s equality.1”

International Women’s Day is not solely the responsibility of a single government, charity, women’s network, or institution. This day was officially adopted by the U.N. in 1975. The world would not be able to run without women due to their major contributions to society. International Women’s Day is all about intersectionality and celebrating all types of women.

Resources:

United Nations

National Today

1.      “IWD 2022Campaign Theme: #BreakTheBias.” International Women's Day, https://www.internationalwomensday.com/Theme.