We Aim To Slay

Happy International Women’s Day!

Today is International Women’s Day – what exactly does that mean? For as long as there has been world history, women have been fighting for social, economic, and career equality. Today, March 8th, is the day in which individuals and organizations around the world observe all of the strides we have made, as well as the miles we have to go in the fight for gender equality!

History of I.W.D.

According to the International Women’s Day website, the first National Woman’s Day (NWD) was observed in the United States in the early 1900s. International Women’s Day (IWD) was honored for the first time in 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. It was first marked by the United Nations in 1975, and celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2011. 

Since 1996, each year I.W.D is observed has a dedicated theme, and this year’s is #InspireInclusion. “Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated,” as described on the I.W.D. website. “Together we can forge women’s equality. Collectively we can all #InspireInclusion.” Past themes have included #EmbraceEquity, #BreakTheBias, #ChooseToChallenge, #EachForEqual, and more.

#InspireInclusion and I.W.D. both advocate for the idea that everyone, everywhere, is capable of advancing the gender equality movement. Whether you’re a volunteer, an event organizer, or making donations, your efforts are important, and your efforts are appreciated by women around the world.

“Collective action and shared ownership for driving gender parity is what makes International Women’s Day impactful,” said Gloria Steinem, the world-renowned feminist, journalist and activist. “The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights.”

Even if you’re unable to dedicate time or funds, you can still support I.W.D. by wearing the official colors – purple, green, and white – which originated from the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) in the UK in 1908.

The I.W.D. website explains the meaning behind the colors as: “Purple signifies justice and dignity, and being loyal to the cause. Green symbolizes hope. White represents purity, albeit a controversial concept.”

How to Get Involved!

Here are several organizations dedicated to helping women of all ages, in different ways, across the globe!

• International Women’s Day – A global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.
• Commission on the Status of Women – The United Nation’s largest annual gathering on gender equality and women’s empowerment.
• The CROWN Act – The CROWN Act, which stands for “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair,” is a law that prohibits race-based hair discrimination, which is the denial of employment and educational opportunities because of hair texture or protective hairstyles including braids, locs, twists, or bantu knots. 
• The Dove Self-Esteem Project – Established in 2004 to ensure the next generation grows up enjoying a positive relationship with the way they look, and to help them reach their full potential; improving their body-confidence and ultimately, their self-esteem.
• Global Fund for Women – “We envision a world where movements for gender justice have transformed power and privilege for a few into equity and equality for all. We fund bold, ambitious, and expansive gender justice movements to create meaningful change that will last beyond our lifetimes.”
• Dress for Success – A global not-for-profit organization that empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire, and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. 
• Lean In & Lean In Girls – Women get and give peer mentorship, learn new skills, and have a place to be unapologetically ambitious. And the recently launched Lean In Girls is a leadership program to help girls see themselves as leaders.
• Crown CARES – A 501(c)3 organization dedicated to assisting, advocating, and educating youth to become positive, resilient, and contributing members of society by providing a safe environment that empowers higher education, and healthy living, fosters social responsibility and community involvement. 
• The Malala Fund – founded in 2013 by Malala and Ziauddin Yousafzai to champion every girl’s rights to 12 years of free, safe, quality education. 
• Center for Reproductive Rights – a global human rights organization of lawyers and advocates who ensure reproductive rights are protected in law as fundamental human rights.
• Stand With Trans – dedicated to empowering and encouraging trans youth and their families. 

The Powerful Women in My Life

I would be remiss if I let International Women’s Day pass without thanking the women who have shaped me into the woman I am today! Thank you all, for not only being a part of my life, but for helping to shape my life into this incredible journey!

I.W.D. is Observed Worldwide!

International Women’s Day is an official holiday in Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, China (for women only), Cuba, Georgia, Guinea-Bissau, Eritrea, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Madagascar (for women only), Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Nepal (for women only), Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, and Zambia. And, became a public holiday in Germany in 2019.

How are you observing International Women’s Day? And, how do you pay tribute to all of the powerful and determined women in your life, on a daily basis? Today I’m headed to my state capitol to take part in a roundtable discussion on Connecticut’s Paid Leave program!

Happy International Women’s Day, and remember to SLAY!