A revolution that started as a simple spark - a demand for equality in every realm of our daily lives for women, continues to leave its’ mark globally all across the world even today. March 19th, 1911 marked the first ever gathering of women to stand up for their rights and fight against the systematic oppression they faced day in and out in the form of a dedicated celebration across Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland - and so, began the history of International Women’s Day. Later on, in the year 1914, after a turbulent period of time for the world - as people saw social norms beginning to change, 8th March was unanimously marked to be celebrated on the 8th of March annually all around the globe.
Today, centuries later - we, as women live in a world that is much kinder to us than it was to our predecessors; and while we have them to thank for the many equal opportunities that we hold today - it is undeniable that even today, we are not completely treated as equals in the world as compared to our male counterparts. Whether it be in school, the workplace, home or even society at a large - we still stand up to fight back today, for the truly equal future that we can someday hope to provide to wonderfully strong women and girls that will come after us.
Every year, International Women’s Day celebrates the strength and achievements that we women have accomplished over the years, raises awareness and funds for those women that may not be as fortunate as many of us to live in equal conditions as well as lobbies for equality by highlighting the many issues that we as a gender, still face to this day.
This year, the theme for International Women’s Day advocates for us to #ChooseToChallange - calling for each and every one of us to challenge gender inequalities, biases, societal norms and every glass ceiling, sexist comment, action and prejudice that women face - every single day.
As individuals, groups and organizations come together and #ChooseToChallenge all the hurdles that women face today, let’s all take a pledge to do better and be better, not just for ourselves, but for every woman going through what we or someone we know has gone through. Let’s choose to challenge for the better. Hand in hand, we can make a change - and make the world a better place.
This International Women’s Day, remember to show your appreciation for the massive strength that every woman carries within her - to challenge the hurdles and conquer the world she strides through one step at a time. Maybe even send her a sweet gesture - you know she deserves it! Perhaps her favourite flowers, a special gift or even a super sweet cake to remind her how much sweeter her presence makes your life, and the world at a large.
To learn more, head on over to the International Women's Day official website and do your part in making the world a better place.
