International Women's Day
On Sunday 8th March we celebrate International Women’s Day, also known worldwide as Women’s Day. This powerful day originates from Austria, Denmark, Switzerland and Germany on 19th March in 191 when more than a million men and women campaigned for women’s rights to vote, to be able to work and have the rights to be trained or supported to work in public office. They wanted to be treated fairly and to be seen as equals to men. This important day has continued to focus on global gender equality and is a day the celebrates empowering women all over the world.
THE 2020 THEME
Each year the International Women’s Day has a specific theme, and this will be whatever seems to be important for women at that time. This year on the 8th March, the theme is ‘Each for Equal’ and it promotes that an equal world is an enabled world:
“Individually, we're all responsible for our own thoughts and actions - all day, every day. We can actively choose to challenge stereotypes, fight bias, broaden perceptions, improve situations and celebrate women's achievements. Collectively, each one of us can help create a gender equal world.”
INFLUENTIAL WOMEN IN HISTORY
Women have shown independence, strength and power throughout history, encouraging other women to do the same. The world would be quite a different place without these strong influential women, and men and women should be proud of their achievements and the long-lasting influence that they have given us. Sadly, there are still many countries throughout the world where women are still fighting for their rights.
1. Millicent Fawcett – was the leading suffragist and campaigner for equal rights for women. Millicent led Britain’s biggest suffrage organisation and played an important role in gaining women the right to vote.
2. Florence Nightingale – a British nurse who served in the Crimean war. Her role was important in changing the perception of the nursing profession. She dedicated her life to making significant improvement in the nursing and treatment of wounded soldiers.
3. Marie Curie – was a future focused Polish and French scientist. She was the first woman to receive the Nobel Prize and the first person to receive the award in two separate categories. Marie also helped to develop and plan the first X ray machine.
4. Elizabeth Blackwell – British woman Elizabeth was the first woman to complete a medical degree in America and the first woman on the UK medical register. Elizabeth helped to reduce social barriers enabling women to be accepted and admired as doctors.
5. Mother Teresa – was an Albanian nun and charity worker who devoted her life to helping and serving the poor and deprived people. She became a worldwide icon for selfless service to others and personally cared for thousands of sick and dying people. Mother Teresa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979.
EACH FOR EQUAL
Embrace International Women’s Day on the 8th March by doing something that supports this years theme. Whether it’s choosing to empower other women, your own independence or doing something to help a charity that spreads awareness about this special day. There are still many places throughout the world where women are still fighting for their rights and are desperate for this fairness of equality.
“The International Women’s Day 2020 campaign theme is drawn from a notion of 'Collective Individualism. We are all parts of a whole. Our individual actions, conversations, behaviours 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.”
Author: Amy
