Every year, International Women’s Day (IWD) falls on March 8. This global event highlights the accomplishments of women and advocates for equality for all women.
With gender disparity continuing at home and work, the day serves as a reminder and a rallying cry.
History
International Women’s Day started in New York City in 1909 when 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding voting rights, better pay and shorter working hours.
It evolved into a variety of celebrations, marches and gatherings around the world.
This article shares some links and resources for you to explore more about International Women’s Day.
United Nations (#GenerationEquality)
The United Nations theme for IWD is “I am Generation Equality: Realizing Women’s Rights”.
The United Nations celebrates IWD and seeks ways to support women around the globe in all aspects of life and basic human needs.
Their Generation Equality campaign brings together people of every gender, age, ethnicity, race, religion and country, to drive actions that will create the gender-equal world we all deserve.
Quotes from UN Executive Director
“…the benefits of gender equality are not just for women and girls, but for everyone whose lives will be changed by a fairer world that leaves no one behind.” quote from UN Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka
We don’t have an equal world at the moment and women are angry and concerned about the future. They are radically impatient for change. It’s an impatience that runs deep, and it has been brewing for years. quote from UN Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka
International Women’s Day organization (#EachForEqual)
The International Women’s Day organization supports the annual celebration.
Their theme for this year is #Eachforequal, because an equal world is an enabled world. This stems from the idea of collective individualism.
“We are all parts of a whole. Our individual actions, conversations, behaviors and mindsets can have an impact on our larger society. Collectively, we can make change happen. Collectively, we can each help to create a gender equal world.”
They also provide materials to help you to plan your company’s involvement, do activities, give presentations and more. Check out their resources.
Catalyst (#BiasCorrect)
Catalyst is sponsoring a campaign called Bias Correct to address bias against women in the workplace.
This campaign highlights the power of words used to describe women in the workplace.
Check out stories from powerful women who share the words thrown at them.
Also download a Slack plugin that helps identify biased language.
Catalyst provides resources for male allies as well in their program called Men Advocating Real Change (MARC).
Related articles
The Telegraph provided a good overview and history of IWD in the article “International Women’s Day 2020: How the day began and why the fight for women’s rights is still necessary”.
Find out how to participate in IWD via the article “Four Easy And Effective Steps To Support The International Women’s Day 2020 “Each For Equal” Theme” by Ellevate on Forbes.com.
For a list of inspirational women read the article on Global News “International Women’s Day 2020: Who is the inspiring woman in your life?“.
Even major brands get involved: “Apple Stores to host over 5,000 female-focused sessions in March for International Women’s Day”
