International Women's Day

An essay on the holiday and its call to action.

The roots of International Women's Day trace back to the early 20th century. It was first celebrated in 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland, with rallies demanding women's rights to work, vote, hold public office, and end discrimination. However, it wasn't until 1975, during International Women's Year, that the United Nations began celebrating March 8th as International Women's Day, giving it a global platform that has grown in importance ever since.

International Women's Day (IWD), celebrated annually on March 8th, is a day steeped in history and significance. It marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity and celebrates women's social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. This day is not just a moment for reflection but an inspiration, a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality, and a celebration of the indomitable spirit of women worldwide.

International Women’s Day holds a profound significance for me, serving as a poignant reminder of the journey women have embarked on toward achieving equality and the barriers we continue to break. As a woman who was raised in an environment where gender roles were rigidly defined—men groomed for sports and success, and women for marriage and babies—it wasn't until I was an English Literature major at the University of Central Florida (at the age of 43) that I fully grasped the depth of the gender disparities embedded within society. More so, those disparities that had been imbued into my life as a young girl.

College was an eye-opening experience, a sanctuary where the concept of the patriarchy was unveiled. It wasn’t long before I realized I was raised within its epicenter. It was then that I discovered the importance of female agency and the influence of the empowered woman. Women who elevate one another as opposed to tearing each other down. This realization was transformative. It taught me that solidarity among women is a source of strength and a driving force for societal change.

International Women's Day resonates with my journey of awakening and empowerment. It's a day that honors the collective struggles of women who have fought and continue to fight for their rights and freedoms. It's a reminder that despite progress, the journey towards gender equality is far from over. Women around the world still face challenges such as wage gaps, underrepresentation in leadership roles, gender-based violence, and the undervaluation of women's work. IWD serves as a call to action, urging each of us to play a part in creating a more equitable world.

IWD celebrates what women can achieve when we support and believe in each other. It challenges the archaic notion that women's destinies are confined to marriage and motherhood, asserting that we can be and do whatever we want. It’s a testament to the achievements of women in various fields, defying the odds stacked against them and paving the way for future generations.

In honoring International Women's Day, we must also recognize the importance of inclusive feminism, which embraces diversity and acknowledges the unique challenges faced by women of different races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and socio-economic statuses. It's crucial to understand that the fight for gender equality intersects with other social justice issues and that true progress can only be achieved through an inclusive approach.

To truly honor International Women's Day and its essence, we must continue to advocate for gender equality, celebrate women's achievements, challenge biases, and take action for equality. It's a day to reflect on how far we have come and renew our commitment to the journey ahead. It reminds us that while the path may be fraught with challenges, our collective strength and solidarity can and will forge a brighter, more equitable future for all women.

International Women's Day is a call to action. It embodies the struggle, resilience, and achievements of women past and present. It inspires us to continue the fight for a world where gender equality is not just an aspiration but a reality. Let us all, regardless of gender, take a moment to reflect on the significance of this day, to celebrate the incredible women in our lives, and to pledge to work towards a future where every woman has the freedom to choose her path, unbounded by societal constraints.

Recommended reading for IWD and Women’s History Month:

We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan

Ruth Bader Ginsberg by Jane Sherron DeHart

The Truth Will Set You Free, But First it Will Piss You Off! By Gloria Steinem

The Book of Gutsy Women by Hillary Rodham Clinton & Chelsea Clinton

Three Women by Lisa Taddeo

A Vindication of the Rights of Women by Mary Wollstonecraft

Sister, Outsider by Audre Lorde

Mothertrucker by Amy Butcher

Finding Fifty by Jill Carlyle

For more information on this incredible holiday, click here.