International Women’s Day and Its Impact
Authored by Francesca Nestor
Edited by Mela Ottaiano
March is Women’s History month in the United States. This month celebrates the achievements of women throughout history and society. More specifically, on March 8, International Women’s Day is celebrated. On this day, we reflect on the contributions women have made throughout the world, and we bring to light issues women face globally.
International Women’s Day began in industrialized countries during the women’s rights movements of the early 1900s. The first International Women’s Day was started by the American Socialist party in 1909. Rallies and events that called out gender discrimination were typical of the celebrations during this time. Since 1914, March 8 has been officially International Women’s Day.
International Women’s Day 2022
The theme for International Women’s Day this year is Break the Bias. This theme focuses on breaking stereotypes, discrimination, and gender biases within society. The International Women’s Day website is encouraging people to use the hashtag #breakthebias on the social media platform Instagram and take a photo of themselves with their arms crossed. The theme is challenging people to speak out when they see gender biases in their day-to-day life. The website also showcases virtual and in-person events. There are a range of topics and include panels about yoga, leadership skills within the healthcare industry, and more.
How do different countries celebrate International Women’s Day?
International Women’s Day is celebrated not only throughout the Americas and Europe, but throughout every corner of the globe. Let’s explore the ways that certain countries celebrate this day, and see how they compare to each other.
Argentina’s International Women’s Day is celebrated by giving women tokens of appreciation through gifts. In the past few years, women’s issues have been in the forefront of protests in Argentina. The legalization of abortion has been a prominant issue for women in Argentina, and in 2020 abortions up to the 14th week of pregnancy were legalized by the Argentinian government.
In the United States, International Women’s Day is not a federal holiday. The entire month of March is dedicated to highlighting the contributions of women in American society. To celebrate International Women’s Day in the United States, McDonald’s restaurant in 2018 changed their golden arches sign upside down to showcase a letter w as opposed to the letter m. This example shows how corporations in the United States want to show their solidarity with women and their rights through concrete actions.
In Italy, International Women’s Day is known as La Festa Della Donna. This day was popularized when women were granted the right to vote in Italy after World War II, when the feminist movement became more prominant in society. In modern times, this day is celebrated by giving women yellow mimosa flowers, which bloom abundantly throughout Italy in the springtime. The yellow mimosa became popularized by Teresa Mattei, who at one point was the national director of the Italian Women Union. While this day is not a public holiday in Italy, women can take advantage of museums offering free admission and women-centered exhibitions.
China’s International Women’s Day celebrations have aspects of romance. It is customary for men to buy flowers and chocolates for the women in their life. Since 2014, many employees in China grant their female employees half a day off on March 8, which is also viewed as a “self care day.” This means that many industries throughout China, such as the makeup and skincare industries, promote International Women’s Day through adverts, which results in huge sales.
How can individuals celebrate International Women’s Day?
There are many ways people can celebrate International Women’s Day. Many of the ideas below are engaging and can be done in a group setting, which may inspire change within yourself or your community.
Start a monthly book club for your community or friends that focuses on literature authored by women. Try studying a book authored by a woman from a country you would like to visit or with a different cultural heritage than you. Doing so may help you gain perspective about a certain topic, and your conversations with your friends may be deeper.
Donate to women’s charities that support causes important to you and that align with your values. For example, the Women's Refugee Commission, an organization founded in 1989, focuses on the specific needs of refugee women and their families. You could also donate your money, clothes, or time to a local women’s organization or shelter.
Advocate for gender equality in your workplace. Women can face economic inequalities within the workplace, and research shows that women, especially those of color, are more likely to be paid less at their job than their male counterparts. In the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, many women left their jobs and careers to care for their families and help manage their households. Equitable parental leave, as well as mentorship or coaching opportunities for women, can help combat gender inequalities within the workplace.
Acknowledge the strong women in your life. When was the last time you sent your mom or mother figure a thoughtful note or text message about how much you appreciate her? Treat your sister, friend, or coworker to a meal or coffee to catch up, especially if it has been awhile since your last meeting. Let your role models know the impact they have had on your life.
Support women-owned businesses. Search for local businesses in your area that are owned and operated by women. Make note of local businesses that sell products created by women. If you live in a rural community, or prefer to shop online, there are still ways to support women owned and operated shops. This article discusses women-owned shops on the popular website, Etsy.
Become a mentor to young women. Do you have a mentor in your life who has shaped the way you think and the way you live your life? Research any mentorship programs in your community to make a difference in a woman’s life. For example, Global Impact Initiative has mentorship opportunities that can be done remotely.
It’s important to realize that celebrating women’s contributions to society does not have to start and end within the month of March. Have conversations about the contributions women have made throughout history, the importance of gender equality in society, and how that can make the world a more comfortable place to live in.
