Women’s Day is here!
International Women’s Day is celebrated on 8 March each year and it’s a day for any woman, anywhere to try to make a difference – whether that’s in a small or major way.
Why is it so important for me to mark International Women’s Day?
The day also gives us the chance to reflect on how far women have come in the past hundred years or so. The suffragettes’ fight for women’s rights in the UK only resulted in some women over the age of 30 getting the right to vote in 1918, It wasn’t until 1928 that women achieved the same voting rights as men in the United Kingdom. And, women in every country around the globe faced different levels of discrimination; whether they were excluded from voting or couldn’t even travel overseas without their husband or guardian’s permission.
It’s not just a day to mark female emancipation, though. This Women’s Day celebration gives any woman opportunities to celebrate what it means to be female, and all the ways women make positive differences in the world today.
What is International Women’s Day?
Although International Women’s Day has been celebrated since 1911, it was only adopted by the United Nations in 1975. This heightened awareness of the global day has helped ensure the inclusion of women from all nations.
A theme for this international day celebrating women’s rights is announced each year, and has often been linked back to women’s traditional nurturing and peacekeeping roles, or ways women can raise global awareness of living standards in poorer communities and countries.
Women’s Day, 8 March 2020
The 2020 theme will strike a chord with all women and bears the message #EachforEqual. Women in all corners of the world, from every sector of society, are encouraged to strive towards a more gender-equal world balance. Women of all ages recognise just how difficult it can be to forge a successful career. Indeed, they often feel the need to work much harder than their male colleagues, and still find they get overlooked for promotions.
Start to take note of gender inequalities from Women’s Day 2020
Make 2020 the year you begin to notice all the gender inequality around you; whether it’s in the workplace, in the creative and entertainments sphere, or within any other aspects of your own daily living. Taking time to celebrate the academic, sporting, and innovative successes of all women helps to provide the empowerment needed to forge gender equality across the board. And, the input and support you provide will help empower all other women and girls around you.
Are there any colours or symbols for International Women’s Day?
The international colour used to symbolise women is purple, and many of the events celebrating IWD use a purple, white and green colour theme which was originally used as a symbol in the UK by the Women’s Social and Political Union back in 1908. So, don’t be surprised to see loads of purple-clad women on 8 March each year, and check out the Each for Equal pose for 2020! https://www.internationalwomensday.com/Theme
What events take place on International Women’s Day?
Women and girls of all ages can search the IWD website to find out exactly what events are kicking off locally on Women’s Day each year. It’s also an easy matter to organise your own IWD event, with event packs available to order from the IWD website.
You don’t need an official event pack to organise your own IWD event, though. Whether you want to plan a coffee and cake break in the workplace, arrange an IWD themed talk from one of the inspirational female leaders in your community, or an IWD themed sports activity, the choice is truly yours. And, honestly, just because you’re showing an interest in the serious themes of gender inequality and increased rights for women, doesn’t mean you need to abandon the heels, lippy, or even burn your bra! Women have always had complex roles in society, so if you’re thinking of organising an IWD activity to raise awareness, just make it an event that’s sure to appeal to you and your friends.
In some parts of the world, IWD has built similar high levels of popularity and awareness as Mother’s Day, to the extent that many women receive gifts to mark the day. Treat yourself kindly on IWD each year, and embrace your femininity and the joys of being a woman!
You’re sure to find loads of community events to mark IWD in your locality, as well. Many of these take place in the days leading up to and following on from International Women’s Day.
So, save the IWD date on a regular basis each year! Women’s lives matter in so many ways, and even simply sharing your IWD comments on social media can help raise awareness and make a difference to the world.
