“Throw me to the wolves, and I will return leading the pack.”
A woman is ever so confident in her ability to not only survive a difficult situation but also thrive and come out on top.
International Women’s Day (IWD) is observed on 8th March each year throughout the world to recognize and honor women’s social, economic, cultural, and political accomplishments as well as to promote gender parity.
How It Started: A Brief History
International Women’s Day originated as ‘National Women’s Day’ on February 28th, 1909, when The Socialist Party of America declared it to support garment workers on strike. Since the early 1900s, the day shifted to March 8th and has been used to promote women’s suffrage and other issues.
In 1975, the UN officially recognized International Women’s Day, which has since become a celebration highlighting the ongoing need for change in women’s rights.
There’s so much to be done even after 100 years of Women’s Day. That’s why here we have listed five reasons why we still need to celebrate International Women’s Day now more than ever.
The Need to Celebrate International Women’s Day
In this busy, fast-paced life, we might not notice, but gender inequality and discrimination are still prevalent in various aspects of society. Women still face barriers in the workplace, education, healthcare, and other areas of life, and many are still subjected to violence and abuse.
COVID-19 has highlighted these issues further, with women facing increased burdens of caregiving and domestic work, and experiencing job losses and economic insecurity at higher rates than men.
So, International Women’s Day serves as a reminder that gender equality is still an ongoing struggle. It’s also a reminder that we need to continue working towards it. This day is a perfect opportunity to recognize the achievements of women while also calling for more significant gender disparity and highlighting the need for continued progress toward a more equitable society.
Celebrating IWD helps promote action toward achieving gender equality and ensuring that all women can live their lives free from discrimination and oppression.
1. Their Voices Need to be Heard
One of the key reasons for celebrating International Women’s Day is to provide a platform for women’s voices to be heard.
Throughout history, women’s voices have been silenced or marginalized. But times have changed, and this very day allows us to amplify these voices, to listen to their stories, and to acknowledge their contributions to society.
Furthermore, it helps to inspire future generations of women to break down barriers and achieve their dreams. When young girls watch other women succeeding and making their mark in the society, it empowers them to do the same.
Celebrating IWD benefits women and society as a whole, as diverse perspectives and voices are essential for creating positive change and progress.
2. Bringing Attention to Unique Challenges
While gender inequality is a global issue, the unique challenges faced by women can vary depending on their cultural, social, and economic situation. Celebrating this very day helps to raise awareness of these challenges, like unequal access to education or job opportunities.
Shining a light on such issues can promote understanding and empathy, and one can work towards finding solutions tailored to the specific needs of women.
3. To Recognize Their Achievements
Celebrating International Women’s Day is also an opportunity to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, right from history to modern times.
Women have made significant contributions to society in various fields, from science and technology to arts and literature, and from politics to social justice movements. By celebrating their success, we can break down gender stereotypes and promote a more positive and inclusive image of women in society.
4. Their Contributions to History and Modern Society
Women have played significant roles in shaping the world we live in today, from pioneering scientific discoveries to heading social and political movements. However, their contributions are often overlooked or minimized, and many women have been written out of history altogether.
Celebrating this day honors the contributions of women, both past and present, and ensures that their stories are heard and their legacies are remembered.
5. Call for an End to Discrimination Against Women
The last reason on our list for celebrating International Women’s Day is to advocate for women’s rights and put an end to discrimination and violence against women. Despite the progress in advancing women’s rights in many parts of the world, women still face barriers to achieving full equality and justice.
Women are still disproportionately affected by poverty, violence, and discrimination and are often denied basic rights and opportunities. International Women’s Day is like a call to action, we can raise awareness about these issues and demand concrete action to address them.
Concluding Note
International Women’s Day remains a critical observance, highlighting the ongoing struggle for gender equality. Despite the progress made in recent years, discrimination against women continues to be a pervasive issue in society, making it all the more important to bring attention to advocate for women’s rights.
By providing a platform for women’s voices to be heard, recognizing their achievements, and promoting global solidarity, International Women’s Day serves as a reminder that we all have a role to play in creating a more equitable and inclusive society. As we celebrate this day, let us all commit to taking action to address the unique challenges faced by women and work towards building a better, more just world for all.
Featured Image by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
