2001
The global
internationalwomensday.com
digital hub for everything IWD
was launched to re-energize the
day as an important platform to
celebrate the successful
achievements of women and to
continue calls for accelerating
gender parity.
2011
2011 saw the 100 year centenary
of International Women's Day -
with the first IWD event held
exactly 100 years ago in 1911 in
Austria, Denmark, Germany and
Switzerland. In the United States,
President Barack Obama
proclaimed March 2011 to be
"Women's History Month", calling
Americans to mark IWD by
reflecting on "the extraordinary
accomplishments of women" in
shaping the country's history.
2019 and beyond
The world has witnessed a
significant change and attitudinal
shift in both women's and
society's thoughts about women's
equality and emancipation. Many
from a younger generation may
feel that 'all the battles have
been won for women' while many
feminists from the 1970's know
Only too well the longevity and
ingrained complexity of
patriarchy. With more women in
the boardroom, greater equality in
legislative rights, and an
increased critical mass of
women's visibility as impressive
role models in every aspect of
life, one could think that women
have gained true equality.
The unfortunate fact is that
women are still not paid equally
to that of their male counterparts,
women still are not present in
equal numbers in business or
politics, and globally women's
education, health and the
violence against them is worse
than that of men.
However, improvements have
been made. We do have female
astronauts and prime ministers,
school girls are welcomed into
university, women can work and
have a family, women have real
choices. And so each year the
world inspires women and
celebrates their achievements.
IWD is an official holiday in many
countries including Afghanistan,
Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus,
Burkina Faso, Cambodia, China
(for women only), Cuba, Georgia,
Guinea-Bissau, Eritrea,
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos,
Madagascar (for women only),
Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro,
Nepal (for women only), Russia,
Tajikistan, Turkmenistan,
Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan,
Vietnam and Zambia.
The tradition sees men honouring
their mothers, wives, girlfriends,
colleagues, etc with flowers and
small gifts. In some countries
IWD has the equivalent status of
Mother's Day where children give
small presents to their mothers
and grandmothers.
A global web of rich and diverse
local activity connects women
from all around the world ranging
from political rallies, business
conferences, government
activities and networking events
through to local women's craft
markets, theatric performances,
fashion parades and more. Many
global corporations actively
support IWD by running their own
events and campaigns. For
example, on 8 March search
engine and media giant Google
often changes its Google Doodle
on its global search pages to
honour IWD. Year on year IWD is
certainly increasing is status.
So make a difference, think
globally and act locally! make
everyday International Women's
Day. Do your bit to ensure that
the future for girls is bright,
equal, safe and rewarding.
article source: www.internationalwomensday.com