International Women’s Day
A day dedicated to all queens.
2020 is an exciting time to be a woman, with our voices being heard louder than ever. International Women's Day spotlights the social, political, economical, and cultural contributions of women, both past and present.
Today, there are more women entrepreneurs and more female billionaires than ever before. There are a countless number of female pioneers in technology, finance, medical, and fashion, spearheading ways to improve the current climate of these industries. Iceland made history by becoming the first country to legalize equal pay for women in their country. And, more recently, there have been over 70 women who have served as Presidents or Prime Ministers worldwide. Women are, and have been, leading the way towards a more equitable society for years.
The first 'Women's Day' rooted in 1910, when universal suffrage and equal rights were at the forefront of social issues. In 1975, the United Nations held the first World Conference on Women, in Mexico City, serving as the first international conference exclusively focusing on women's issues.
Presently, women celebrate International Women’s Day by posting on social media and/or, more actively, demonstrating their unity in the streets. A couple of years ago, hundreds of women in Afghanistan marched the capital of Kabul to remind government authorities of the need for increased educational and political opportunities for women in both urban and rural areas.
Women have protested in the Philippines against the President, proclaiming him as a ruthless violator of women's rights. Citizens in India marched to the Parliament to demonstrate their concern for increased action needed for sexual assault and violence victims in their country. In the United States, women across the nation gathered in front of state and federal buildings to show their unified stance.
It's truly inspiring to see women all over the world continue to carry on the torches of the strong, leading women who have blazed trails before us. Each year, I personally have a deeper respect and understanding of what it takes to be a woman. Women are leaders; leaders in their families, leaders in their workplaces, and leaders in their communities. Day in and day out, women are dedicated to making the world around them a better place. And while we still have additional obstacles to continue to combat, the progress continues for women now and for future female generations.