Today is International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day is set aside globally as a day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. It is also a call to action to accelerate gender parity. Purple is the color of the day to raise awareness. Strike the #BalanceForBetter pose while wearing purple, which stands for justice and dignity, and share it on social media using the hashtag #IWD2019.
International Women’s Day dates back 108 years to 1909, when 15,000 women protested long work hours, low pay, and the lack of voting rights in New York City. By 1910, the holiday became international as the fight for universal suffrage for women went global. Throughout the years, International Women’s Day has served as a platform for women to advocate for their rights, and as early as 1944, the GFWC adopted a resolution in support of the Equal Rights amendment.
In 1975, the United Nations officially recognized International Women’s Day. By December 1977, the General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming a United Nations Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace. In 1996, annual themes were introduced for International Women’s Day. We continue to build on that first theme from 1996, “Celebrating the Past, Planning for the Future” every day.
“Balance for Better” is the 2019 theme, and it continues all year long. A balanced world drives a better working world so celebrate women, raise awareness against bias, and help create a #BalanceForBetter.
Since 1909, we have seen progress and a shift in society toward a more favorable view of women’s equality but there is still much work to be done. While many battles have been won, the progress made does not feel permanent. Women are still not paid equally, and they are not represented in equal numbers in politics or business. Education, health and the violence against women are worse than that for men throughout the world, so the movement continues.
THE BIGGEST ISSUES FACING AMERICAN WOMEN
- Sexual violence (38%)
- Sexual objectification (35%)
- Unequal pay (34%)
- The ability to balance a career and children (32%)
- Underrepresentation in business leadership (20%)
- Reproductive rights (19%)
- Underrepresentation in politics (16%)
https://www.internationalwomensday.com
“The fastest way to change society is to mobilize the women of the world.”
– Charles Malik
“Human rights are women’s rights, and women’s rights are human rights.”
-Hilary Clinton