The Very Start
International Women’s Day, an occasion praised around the world, respects working women and their struggle throughout. Taught that women’s place in history is rather undistinguished, it ought to be a genuine source of pride and motivation to American women to realize that International Women’s Day originated in honor of two all women strikes which occurred in the U.S.
On March 8, 1857, garment laborer in New York City marched and picketed, demanding better working conditions, a ten hour day, and equivalent rights for women. Their ranks were broken up by the police. After Fifty-one years, March 8, 1908, their sisters in the needle trades in New York marched once more, honoring the 1857 march, requesting right to vote, and an end to sweatshops and child labour. The police were available on this event as well.
Then later, even socialist set forward the concept of advancing women’s suffrage through a day to symbolize women’s tremendous contributions to humankind. An yearly “international women’s day” was initially organised by the German socialist and theorist Clara Zetkin together with 100 delegates from 17 countries on March 1911. The occasion was set apart by more than one million individuals in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland, with several demonstration throughout the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
The Meaning has Evolved Over the Ages
It started as a huge protest by women who demanded better working conditions, better pay, and the right to vote. Be that as it may, from that point forward, the occasion has developed into a day of awareness on women’s progress in the continuous fight for gender equality, and a day to address issues over the globe that specifically deals with women.
Today, International Women’s Day is a day to think about the advancement made, to call for change and to celebrate the valour and determination of ordinary women who have been the trailblazers for their countries and have made extraordinary contributions to their societies.
2016 Theme for International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day signifies the plight and achievements of women for more than a century -however is now looking ahead another 15 years to the world’s gender equality goals. Themed this year “Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step It Up for Gender Equality”. The United Nations observance on 8 March will consider how to quicken the 2030 Agenda, building energy for the effective implementation of the new Sustainable Development Goals. It will also concentrate on new responsibilities under UN Women’s Step It Up initiative, and other existing commitments on gender equality, women’s empowerment and women’s human rights.
Thinking Beyond 2016
The world has seen a remarkable change and attitudinal shift in both women’s and society’s opinion about women’s equality and liberation. The new generation might feel that ‘all the battles have been won for women’ while many women’s activists from the 1970’s know very well indeed the longevity and ingrained complexity of patriarchy. With greater equality in legislative rights, more women in the boardroom and an increased critical mass of women’s visibility as accomplished role models in every aspect of life,one could imagine that women have finally gained their hard-fought equality. The dilemma is that women are still not paid equally to that of their male counterparts, women still are not present in equal numbers in politics or business, and globally women’s health, education, and the violence against them is far worse than that of men.
In any case, a lot of improvements have been made. We do have women travelling space and holding important political positions, now more girls are educated and welcomed to universities, a large section of women are working as well as happily married, and living a graceful life. Thus every year the world motivates women and praises their accomplishments through this day. The tradition sees men respecting their mothers, wives, girlfriends, colleagues, by making them feel special.
Let us make each day International Women’s Day! Make a difference, think globally and act locally!
Do your bit to make sure that the future is bright, safe, equal and rewarding for ‘WE’ the women!
