International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day is celebrated every year on March 8th. For many,
International Women’s Day is considered the most important day in the
continual growth and evolution of women’s rights.
A History of International Women’s Day
The first International Women’s Day was held over 100 years ago, on February
28th, 1909 in New Your city. It was organized by the Socialist Party of
America, and one year later, at an International Socialist Woman’s
Conference, it was decided that an even be held annually in support of the
movement. When women gained the right to vote in Russia in 1917, the
government declared March 8th to be a national holiday there, and throughout
the Soviet Union. Most socialist movements and communist regimes and parties
were the largest celebrants of the date, until the United Nations adopted it
as an International day of recognition in 1975. In that year, the United
Nations declared it to be International Woman’s Year, and since then March
8th has been the designated as the official day for International Women’s
Day. It has been established as a public holiday in some countries, while in
others there is recognition through events and activations.
Themes & Pillars
International Women’s Day stands for many causes. The largest, most
pervasive, and prominent is gender equality. This means equal access to
opportunities and resources, from education to compensation at work, to
corporate, and political representation, to the recognition of different
needs based on gender without bias or persecution.
To add organization, and visibility to International Women’s Day, both the
United Nations and the International Women’s Day organization create a theme
in which activists and organizers can focus and build upon. These themes
vary and change from year to year, based on current causes and the
geopolitical climate.
International Women’s Day in the 21st Century
Sine 2010, its 100th anniversary, International Women’s Day has
grown in popularity and prominence in the West and worldwide. Politicians
and celebrities increasingly draw attention to the day, while causes like
the Me Too movement, and Time’s Up have given the day greater significance
and urgency. Countries continue to adopt International Women’s Day as a
public holiday. In 2019, the official United Nations theme for Internation
Women’s Day is: Think Equal, Build Smart, Innovate for Change, and the
organization’s theme is Balance for Better – focusing on creating a more
gender-balanced world by celebrating women’s achievement, raising awareness
against bias, and taking action for equality.
You can celebrate International Women’s Day at indigo with great books from
female leaders, and a capsule collection of accessories to wear and use on
the day, or any day.
International Women’s Day Quotes
Whether you’re looking for a new mantra, making a sign, or posting on social
media, check out these International Women’s Day quotes from feminist
leaders and icons for some instant inspiration.
“I raise up my voice – not so I can shout but so that those without a voice
can be heard.” – Malala Yousafzai
“In the future, there will be no female leaders. There will just be
leaders.” – Sheryl Sandberg
“Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly,
without claiming it, she stands up for all women” – Maya Angelou
“ I believe that telling our stories, first to ourselves and then to one
another and the world, is a revolutionary act.” – Janet Mock
"Embrace what makes you unique, even if it makes others uncomfortable.” –
Janelle Monáe
“Extremists have shown what frightens them most: a girl with a book.” –
Janet Mock
“I didn’t get there by wishing for it or hoping for it, but by working for
it.” – Estée Lauder
“There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” – Michelle Obama
“I am a woman phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, that’s me.” – Maya Angelou
“Do your thing and don’t care if they like it.” – Tina Fey
International Women’s Day Books
Education, empowerment, and empathy – read one of these great titles for
International Women’s Day.
Becoming
– Michelle Obama