Things haven’t always been rosy for women. Women have come a long way to get to where they are today. The progress made is celebrated every year on March 8th, on International Women’s Day. But what exactly is International Women’s Day?
Women’s courage and strength don’t need a special day to be celebrated, because they should be appreciated every day.
However, March 8th is dedicated to celebrating the sacrifice that previous generations made so that we, the women of today, can be closer to gender equality.
The progress women have achieved since the first International Day was celebrated is impressive.
It all started in 1908 with 1,500 women who marched through the streets of New York to demand shorter working hours, better pay, and the right to vote.
It may have taken more than a century for us, as a society, to get here, but let’s not forget that change cannot happen overnight. Returning to the present day, not only can women vote, but they formally enjoy the same rights as men.
Fortunately, a world where women have no rights remains only an exercise of the imagination.
Besides the thanks we owe to the 15,000 heroines, it is important to understand the meaning of this day. It is essential to look beyond gifts and flowers and bring change to the world.
Here are 8 things you might not have known about International Women’s Day:
1. Women’s Day was not always celebrated on March 8th
In its early days, International Women’s Day was celebrated on February 28.
The origins of this feminist movement have a pacifist essence. On the eve of World War I, women in Russia proposed the celebration on the last Sunday of February.
Later, in 1913, March 8th was established as International Women’s Day.
And in 1975, the United Nations adopted a resolution proclaiming March 8th as Women’s Rights and International Peace Day.
2. The significance of Women’s Day has changed over time
It all started as a protest where women demanded better working conditions, fair pay, and the right to vote.
Since then, the holiday has undergone changes, becoming today a day of awareness of women’s progress in terms of gender equality and drawing attention to the issues that women around the world still face.
3. March 8th is considered an official holiday in 27 countries
Women’s Day is an official holiday in 27 states around the world, such as Greece, Denmark, Russia, Vietnam, or Uganda. In China, on their day, women are entitled to half a day off.
4. Mother’s Day on March 8th?
On March 8th, in some cultures, women and girls are given gifts, flowers, or other tokens of appreciation.
Particularly in countries that were part of the communist bloc, Mother’s Day is also celebrated on March 8th.
This significance was added during the communist regime to align with the state’s pro-natalist policy.
In Ceaușescu’s Romania, mothers who had ten or more children received the title of Heroine Mother.
5. In the USA, a day became a month of celebration: Women’s History Month
Women’s History Month is dedicated to the contributions they have made throughout history.
The month is marked by events organized by non-profit associations, companies, and policymakers to highlight the role of women in contemporary society.
This year, the United Nations dedicates March 8th to a cause that represents an ongoing concern for many women: Women in the Changing World of Work: Planet 50-50 by 2030.
6. March 8th is not celebrated only by women
Every year, more and more men join the cause, understanding the importance of gender equality.
Among them, the most vocal are: Barrack Obama – former US President, Justin Trudeau – Prime Minister of Canada, Sir Richard Branson – entrepreneur, or Patrick Stewart – actor.
7. Companies show their openness towards women in creative ways
Women are increasingly present in the business environment, and companies led by them contribute significantly to the economy.
To show their gratitude and openness towards women, some companies choose to mark March 8th in a special way.
For example, Unilever chose to celebrate this day differently depending on the local culture where their offices are located.
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Vodafone is launching the global recruitment program ReConnect, which encourages women to return to work after a career break.
To encourage girls to pursue a career that is usually associated with boys, the LEGO company decided to launch five new figurines inspired by women working at NASA.
Last year, Google dedicated a doodle to women with aspirations in various fields: science, journalism, civic engagement, sports, politics, or the arts.
Bonus: 5 ways you can celebrate International Women’s Day within your company.
8. There is no right way to celebrate Women’s Day
Women and men around the world choose different ways to show their gratitude for the past and present efforts of women.
Whether you choose to give flowers, join a concrete cause, go to a march, or attend your child’s school celebration, all are ways to mark such an important day for half of the world’s population.
Contribute to the change too!
We, at MKOR Consulting, are concerned about women who want a career.
Sometimes, the choice to become mothers can hinder women in pursuing a profession. That is why we thought of dedicating a part of what we do best, namely market research, to mothers who want to return to the workplace.
If you have an experience related to returning to your old job or being hired, you can write us your story.
Your contribution will help us define and delimit the research so that it is relevant to as many women as possible. You can leave your story in the comments or, if you want your testimonial to remain anonymous, you can write to us here.
