EQUALITY AND HUMAN RIGHTS

International Women's Day 2017

Today – Wednesday 8th of March – is International Women’s Day 2017. The day has been celebrated since the early 1900's - in 1908, the oppression and equality women were facing motivated them to become more vocal and active in campaigning for change. 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter hours, better pay and voting rights. Thus, IWD is a day of global celebration and a call for gender equality. The first officially recorded IWD was observed in 1911.

"The story of women's struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights," says Gloria Steinman {feminist, journalist and social and political activist} and so, the day revolves around unity, reflection, advocacy and action.

IWD is an official holiday in a lot countries including Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, China {for women only}, Cuba, Georgia, Guinea-Bissau, Eritrea, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Madagascar {for women only}, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Nepal {for women only}, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam and Zambia. The tradition sees men honouring their mothers, wives, girlfriends, colleagues, etc. with flowers and small gifts. In some countries IWD has the equivalent status of Mother's Day where children give small presents to their mothers and grandmothers.

Throughout the years, the world has witnessed a significant change and attitudinal shift in both women's and society's thoughts about women's equality and emancipation. Younger generation may feel that 'all the battles have been won for women' – after all, there are more women in boardrooms and their visibility is increasing in every aspect of life. However, many feminists and advocates still recognise the long-lasting and complex nature of patriarchy. Women are still not paid equally in regards to their male counterparts, global violence and lack of education and health services are still less available for them and in some countries/cultures, they are still considered inferior to men.

Of course, great achievements have been made and should be celebrated: we have female astronauts and prime ministers, women can both work and have a family – many women do have real choices – it is important to note that today is a day for celebrating advances and achievements as well as inspiring and motivating people to stand forward and call for change. There are many global events happening – political rallies, government activities, business conferences, as well as local women’s craft markets, theatrical performances, fashion events and much more. Every year, IWD gains a stronger status.

The theme for this year is #BeBoldForChange – to “call on the masses or call on yourself to help forge a better working world - a more gender inclusive world.” Everyone can do their bit to make a difference by acting locally, but thinking globally. We would all love a future that is bright, safe and equal for everyone.

If you would like ideas and tips on how to show your support, then there are plenty here: https://www.internationalwomensday.com/Theme - you also have the opportunity to publicly announce events and things you are doing to show your support!

Thank you for reading, have an awesome day!

- thefineideayoucrave