Maddie Freeman, Senior
As the global community celebrates International Women’s Day on March 8th, it provides an opportunity to reflect on the strides that have been made in women’s rights and focus on what still needs to be accomplished. According to the United Nations, their mission for IWD for 2019 is to “think equal, build smart and innovate for change,” and the theme for the world is #BalanceforBetter. The UN hopes to draw awareness and strives to pursue areas of innovation to advance gender equality and the “empowerment of women,” specifically focusing on social protection systems, access to public services and sustainable infrastructure.” (“International Women's Day”). The hope of the program is to empower women to be innovators for solutions to bring gender equity to the global community and to protect equal rights for all individuals.
This day is celebrated differently in all parts of the world. In Russia, it is recognized as a national holiday and is celebrated the same as Mother’s Day. Men often get small gifts for the women in their lives, and women sometimes exchange gifts with each other. In India, the day is used for public rallies to raise awareness for the immense amount of violence that women are still receiving. In Madagascar, it is a public holiday, but only for women in the workforce. While the United States does not have the day marked as a national holiday, there are various events held throughout the country to commemorate the day. In New York City, Civic Hall is holding an all-day event with informational seminars and a concluding party. In Philadelphia, Philly Unite is holding a celebration of sisterhood which karaoke, raffles and fun for all genders! Some use the day to celebrate the vast achievements and progress women and women’s rights have made, while others utilize the day to rally to bring awareness to the areas where protection and rights are still lacking for many women in the world. Regardless of where in the world you are, you can still take the time and celebrate in any way!
It is an important day to reflect today and to remember the achievements of women around the world. The United States dedicates the entire month of March to women’s history, as there is so much to be recognized. It is also important to remember that in places, like India, women are still fighting for protections and rights that many others have. By creating a day to unite every woman and man from around the world, it symbolizes the drive for change and hope for the future. Who runs the world? Girls!
“How International Women's Day All Started.” Business Chicks, 14 Mar. 2018, businesschicks.com
/iwd-celebrated-around-world/.
“International Women's Day March 8.” United Nations, United Nations, www.un.org/en/events/
womensday/.
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