|
Celebrating
International Women's Day
No
matter where you are, you’re never too far from the reason
to celebrate International Women’s Day ! Because, either
you’re a woman yourself or you bear one in your heart—be
it your mother, sister, cousin, friend, colleague or all of
those. In either case, you should recognize and celebrate
women's contributions to our society, value their work,
appreciate their unfaltering courage and determination and
make this International Women’s Day really really special.
Wish a ‘Happy Women’s Day’ to those special women in
your lives and help them take pride in their being a woman !
International
Women’s Day came to be celebrated regularly every year
after 1977, when the United Nations invited member countries
to dedicate one day to celebrate the rights of women and
international peace. March 8 was agreed on, and it became
the date International Women's Day is celebrated across the
world.
Why March 8?
You
may of course wonder—why March 8 ? Oh well, it was on
March 8, 1857 that American women workers in the textiles
industry first protested their deplorable working
conditions. International Women's Day was born in 1908
following more protests against sweat-shops and child labor.
In 1911 International Women's Day was first celebrated in
Europe after Clara Zetkin, a German socialist leader, called
for March 8 to be recognized throughout the world as
International Women's Day.
A Global
Issue?
Yes,
it is definitely an issue which calls for worldwide
recognition and concern. Hence, it must be globally
addressed. Until the rights and full potential of women are
achieved, lasting solutions to the world's most serious
social, economic and political problems are unlikely to be
solved. In fact, inequality between men and women whether at
home or in the workplace is not just a women’s issue–it
has global implications and should, of course, be treated as
a global issue under all circumstances !
Commemorate
and Celebrate
Come
March 8, and it calls for a celebration of women, their
struggles, achievements and glory ! For it’s International
Women’s Day. So brace up to do your bit this March 8
!International Women’s Day is a day to acknowledge the
women’s efforts that have brought us where we are today.
It’s also a time to reflect on and get about doing what
needs to be done. Unfortunate but true—today’s women are
still miles away from the goal that the women of the 19th
century envisaged ! Statistics on the plight of women
worldwide would paint a sobering picture, but go and do your
bit. A small victory is a ‘drop in the ocean’, but
don’t all the drops make the ocean ?
If
you’re a woman, ask yourself this—have you stood up for
your rights in the office, or on the road or at the mall ?
Have you told off anyone for a sexist remark ? Have you even
felt the need to ?
You are not alone, take heart, because your action will help
take women a step further towards a world of justice,
equality and peace–then head for that party this
International Women's Day on March 8 with your
girlfriends–because you are a part of this global
celebration.
International
Women's Day has been celebrated all over the world in many
different ways. In many countries, International Women's Day
is a holiday, and events, workshops and celebrations are
organized that bring women’s issues on the table. Some of
these have been on: The education and training of Women
Family and living Health Management and decision making
Population and Fertility Working Life Women’s rights
(professional and domestic)
This
March 8, on International Women's Day, remember the women
who have made a difference in the way we live today.
Can
you forget women like Millicent
Fawcett, Mary Church Terrell, Mother Teresa, Clara Barton
and the many others who have changed the world by their
ideas and courage ? No. You possibly can’t. But while you
do that, also remember the woman next to you ! It could be
your mom, sis or colleague or just any woman who deserves to
be wished and made special ! Celebrate her uniqueness and
her contributions, however humble ! Learn about women in
your community who are working for justice and peace and
equality. And celebrate International Women’s Day thus !
Corporate Celebrations:
There
are many organizations working for the welfare of women and
children and on International Women's Day, March 8, all will
join in the celebration. There will be meetings, workshops,
remembrances of the women who fought for the cause and a
renewal of commitment towards the progress of women in
society today. Every program will include entertainment,
information and displays from other similar services, not
forgetting the ever-present refreshments and meals.
Competitions, concerts, fundraisers and similar activities
that will have women’s themes on the agenda.
Many
popular corporates are involved in some way or the other in
Women’s Issues and are very likely to be sponsors for
International Women's Day events or contests. Some organize
track series open to all girls from elementary school
through college. Others hold events and raise funds to
contribute to some social cause. Therefore, it becomes a
significant occasion which truly calls for some doing !
Women
work is a national network based in Washington DC with a
mission for women’s economic equity. International
Women’s day celebrations will kick off from March 8 with
“Women in Science” conferences in South Dakota.
Wisconsin will have a 25th Anniversary conference
for Displaced Homemakers.
Click
Here To Go Back To Women's Day Information Index Page >> |
