International Women’s Day

Today marks International Women’s Day.  March marks Women’s History Month.  Proclaimed by the United Nations in 1977 as an international day of awareness. Often linked to celebrate “labour movements at the turn of the twentieth century in North America and across Europe”(UN.org). Since then, it has been recognised worldwide.

History of International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated on the 8th of March each year and has been celebrated on this day for over 100 years. Why this day?

Vladimir Lenin selected the 8th of March to celebrate women’s role in the Russian Revolution in 1917. With promotion from the United Nations in the 1970s, it became a globalised date.

There has been speculation that the date goes back further to a protest led by women garment workers in New York City in 1857. But historians speculate. March is also the month of Women’s history. This was to link to International Women’s Day.

Celebrations of International Women’s Day

The aim is to celebrate women’s achievements, promote gender equality, diversity and inclusion, and raise awareness about discrimination.

The date was recognised by the United Nations in 1977.        And since the late 1990s, there has been a theme for each year. This year, it is:

For all Women and Girls: Rights.Equality.Empowerment.

The UN writes, “This year’s theme calls for action that can unlock equal rights, power and opportunities for all and a feminist future where no one is left behind. Central to this vision is empowering the next generation—youth, particularly young women and adolescent girls—as catalysts for lasting change.” (UN.org)

Additionally, this year marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. It is considered to be one of the most progressive documents for women’s rights.

 

You can read our previous post on inspiring women from Scotland here.

Photo by Ariele Bonte