March 8th- International Women’s Day

In August 1910, a German suffragist named Clara Zetkin proposed the idea for a day that would commemorate the hardworking women all over the world. Today, a century later, we observe International Women’s Day on March 8th. A culmination of Women’s History Month, which also takes place during March, this holiday recognizes the historical, cultural, and political achievements of women globally.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Celebrated since the early 1900s, this holiday was born out of struggle and turmoil. In 1908, 15,000 women marched in New York to protest against the inhumane treatment they faced in their workplaces. 20,000 marched in 1909 with Clara Lemlich, a Ukranian immigrant who worked in a garment factory, pressing for better working conditions in their overcrowded, dangerous workplaces. Throughout the 1910s and ‘20s, there were several movements, including the Progressives, which fought and advocated for the equal rights and treatment of women, including suffrage (voting rights) and equal pay. The United Nations first celebrated International Women’s Day in 1975, and two years later, declared “a United Nations Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace to be observed on any day of the year by Member States, in accordance with their historical and national traditions,” (History). 

Historically, the colors purple, green and white are used to symbolize International Women’s Day. Purple signifies justice and dignity, green symbolizes hope, and white represents purity. The colors originated from the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) in the UK in 1908 and can be seen as the colors on the suffragette sashes from the time as well.

Today, International Women’s Day is used as a day of remembrance for all the women in our lives and for honoring their contributions to our lives through their service, character, and love.

THEME 

Each year has a theme, and the theme for International Women’s Day this year, 2021, is “Choose to Challenge.” From the official website, “A challenged world is an alert world. And from challenge comes change. So let's all #ChooseToChallenge,” (About). 

WAYS TO CELEBRATE

It is important to recognize women's achievements on March 8th as well as raise awareness about the struggles women face around the world. There are many places throughout the world where women and girls are still fighting for equal treatment in education, work, and many other areas. 

Take the time to express appreciation and thanks to the women who have played a significant role in your life, including mothers, sisters, grandmothers, aunts, cousins, friends, mentors, and more! Have a wonderful International Women’s Day!

SOURCES CONSULTED:

“About International Women's Day.” International Women's Day, www.internationalwomensday.com/About.

“History of International Women's Day.” International Women's Day, www.internationalwomensday.com/Activity/15586/The-history-of-IWD.