James Brown in his famous song said, “This is a man’s world, but it would be nothing, without a woman or a girl.” A woman plays so many different roles, mother, daughter, sister, wife, friend, etc. She can handle her home, her career along with taking care of the baby in her womb. The people around the globe celebrate 8th March as International Women’s Day (IWD). But the history of International women’s day was quite a battle. Read on to learn more!
On this day, the world celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women along with encouraging and empowering young women to pursue their dreams and live rightfully. On this remarkable day, one of the biggest issues, gender equality is addressed.
International Women’s Day History
The history behind celebrating International Women’s Day is pretty interesting. It’s no mystery that the world in the past wasn’t a bed of roses for the women.
In many countries including the developed nations today, women faced lots of discrimination and problems.
The uprising of all the women around the world to fight for their rights brought about an immense change in the global scenario.
The roots of International Women’s day can be traced to 1908 when 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding:
- voting rights
- better pay
- and shorter working hours.
A year later, on Feb 28, 1909, the Socialist Party of America declared the very first International Women’s Day! It was much later adopted by the feminist movement in 1967.
Previously International Women’s day was celebrated on different dates in different countries. But later in a conference of around 100 women from 17 different countries came together with a suggestion to have a common day worldwide.
On March 19, 1911, for the first time, over a million people in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland marked International Women’s Day.
It was then decided to celebrate International Women’s Day to March 8, and it has been celebrated on that day ever since.
United Nations named 1975 as the International Women’s year.
Why Do We Still Celebrate International Women’s Day?
We have indeed come a very long way. Women have excelled in all the possible fields and can walk shoulder to shoulder with a man.
We have so many inspirational and remarkable women around us who make this world a better place to live in.
Yet, there are still many countries in the world where women don’t enjoy all the benefits they are entitled to.
Up until 2018 June, women in Saudi Arabia did not have the right to drive vehicles.
Even today, several women don’t receive their basic rights and are subject to:
- domestic violence
- lower pay
- gender discrimination
- less voting rights
- improper education, etc.
On IWD, women across the world come together to force the world to recognize these inequalities – while also celebrating the achievements of women who have overcome these barriers.
How To Celebrate International Women’s Day?
Well, this is your lucky day and you have got to enjoy it to the fullest. Many of us will be busy with our daily activities. But, don’t forget to remove time from your busy schedule for yourself. Here is a list of things that you can do to celebrate international women’s day, this year.
1. Healthy Start
Start the day on a positive note with a good morning routine. Have a relaxing bath and wear your best outfit. Treat yourself with your favorite healthy breakfast and have lots of it because you need abundant energy to celebrate your day! But that’s not all.
Relax and take a break from your daily routine. For instance, you can go to a spa or even try a home spa with your girls.
2. Lunch At A Michelin Star Restaurant With A Guest Speaker
Be your own princess and treat yourselves with the best food in the city. You can even head to one of the fine dining Michelin restaurants in town with your co-workers.
Pitch in your ideas to your employer to celebrate women’s day lunch at a good restaurant. You can also take initiatives to invite an inspiring women influencer as a guest speaker and make it an enjoyable event. After all, it is your day, take lead and celebrate the most out of it.
3. Join A Campaign
On women’s day, many NGOs and non-profit organizations come together to spread awareness about women’s equality and justice. Why don’t you be a part of one such campaign for a noble cause?
By joining such a campaign, you can help other less privileged women and also make a monetary donation if you wish. There are several ways to get involved with organizations to help women.
#BeBoldForChange is one of many trends that started on an International Women’s Day. Let’s all unite and show love to our sisters and women across the world.
4. Watch Inspirational Movies Or Documentaries
There are lots of inspirational movies that focus on the lives of women who defied odds and rose up to success. Why not get a bucket of pop-corns and watch such an empowering movie or inspiring sports biopics.
5. ‘Sister Over Mister’ Time – A Women Workshop
Have a girls day out with your female friends or co-workers. Do the things that you love to do or have been longing to do.
Having a fun women workshop might just be the right way to celebrate women’s day. You may include activities like bowling, paintball, laser tag, getting a tattoo, yoga session, etc. You can even go one step ahead and enjoy things that only women can do.
We all know the fact that women are more prone to stress and depression than men. How about a mental health session to deal with stress for women only?
There is a myth that girls get together only to shop and party so let’s break this stereotype.
6. Thank Other Women And Empower Them
We have many women in our lives. Why not gift them something to make them feel special! Tell your mother, friend, or co-worker, what she means to you.
Don’t just tell them why they are important, thank them for being there for you and for doing what they do. Also, don’t forget to encourage and empower the young girls you come across.
Share this empowering article with all the women out there. Take pride in being a woman and enjoy the journey of womanhood. Do subscribe with us for more articles and stay tuned.
Follow us on our social media channels and don’t miss our updates!
. But the history of International women's day was quite a battle.){kind=link}