International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day that celebrates the historical, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day is also observed in support of taking action against gender inequality worldwide. We all
www.shutterstock.comknow that the world could not function without women. This is the day to appreciate their efforts! Large and small organizations come together to show women how valuable they are in today’s society.
History of International Women’s Day
Susan B. Anthony was a political activist and advocate for women’s rights. After the Civil War, she fought for the 14th Amendment, which aimed to grant citizenship to all naturalized and born Americans, hoping that it would include voting rights. Although the 14th Amendment was ratified in 1868, it still did not guarantee their right to vote. In 1869, the National Woman Suffrage Association (NWSA) was founded by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony to continue the fight for women’s rights.
In the early 1900s, women faced wage inequality, lack of voting rights, and over-exploitation in the workplace. In response to all this, 15,000 women marched through New York in 1908 to demand their rights. In 1909, the first National Women’s Day was observed according to a declaration from the Socialist Party of America. This was celebrated on the last Sunday of February until 1913.
An International Women’s Conference was organized in August 1910 by Clara Zetkin, a German suffragist and leader in the Women’s Office. Zetkin proposed
Clara Zetkina special Women’s Day to be organized annually, and International Women’s Day was celebrated the following year in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland, with over a million participants at the rallies. On August 18, 1920, the 19th Amendment was ratified, granting white women the right to vote in the U.S.
The liberation movement occurred in the 1960s, and the effort led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act, allowing all women to vote. As the internet became more common, feminism and the fight against gender inequality experienced a resurgence. Now we celebrate International Women’s Day every year as we continue to push forward with the hope of creating a fully equal society.
Day Traditions
As women gather to celebrate the advancement of gender equality and women’s rights on International Women’s Day, they receive ample support from men who give them flowers or other gifts. This tradition extends to educational institutions and workplaces as well. Inspiring female leaders and women with success stories in different areas of life are highlighted to encourage and influence other women around the world.
In Spain and Turkey, political activities and protests occur on this day. The goal is to motivate changes in policy-making. In China, women often have the right to half a day off work and receive special treatment in general at work and at home.
By the Numbers
• 163.2 million – the number of women in the United States in July 2015.
• 24% – the percentage of women in the U.S. Senate.
• 29% – the percentage of women in state legislative seats.
• 0% – the percentage of women as presidents of the United States.
Susan B. Anthony• 40 billion – the number of hours spent by women in Sub-Saharan Africa collecting water.
• ⅔ – of the 796 million illiterates in the world are women.
• 1 in 3 – women worldwide suffer violence.
• 2.7 billion – the number of women who do not have the same job opportunities as men.
• 82 million – the number of women in the world who do not have legal protections against workplace discrimination.
• 650 million – the number of women who marry before the age of 18 worldwide.
Source: National Today