International Women’s Day: Celebrating Women Around the World
International Women’s Day is a time for women, nonbinary individuals, and male allies to come together and advocate for their rights. This holiday has been officially recognized for over 40 years, but the history of organizing and protesting by women dates back to the early 1900s. Here are five things you should know about International Women’s Day:
1. UN Recognition in 1975
The United Nations officially recognized International Women’s Day in 1975. It is a day to acknowledge women’s achievements without any divisions based on nationality, ethnicity, language, culture, economics, or politics. The holiday originated from labor movements in North America and Europe at the beginning of the twentieth century.
2. Celebrated in 100 Countries
International Women’s Day is celebrated in 100 countries around the world, which is a significant number considering there are only 195 countries globally. While the day is largely symbolic, it is an official holiday in countries such as Afghanistan, Russia, China, and Vietnam.
3. Socialist Roots in 1909
International Women’s Day traces its roots back to 1909 when the Socialist Party of America started it in response to the poor working conditions faced by garment workers in New York. The day was officially established in 1910 at a meeting in Copenhagen, Denmark, where over 100 women from 17 countries approved it. The first celebration took place on March 19, 1911, in several European countries.
4. Protest History
International Women’s Day has a history of protests, including demonstrations during World War I and successful movements in Russia that led to women gaining the right to vote in 1917. Today, the day still serves as a platform for advocating for women’s rights and gender equality.
5. 2021 Theme: ‘Choose to Challenge’
The theme for International Women’s Day in 2021 is ‘Choose to Challenge.’ It encourages individuals to challenge norms, raise awareness against bias, and take action for gender equality. The IWD campaign emphasizes the importance of challenging the status quo to bring about positive change.
By learning more about the history and significance of International Women’s Day, we can all work towards creating a more equal and inclusive world for women everywhere. Celebrate this day by supporting and empowering the women in your life!
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