A day to remember the past and build the future
All around the world, on March 8th, the social, political, economic and cultural achievements of women are celebrated. The day also marks a call for the acceleration of gender parity.
On that day, the cause is supported by marches, political meetings, and public speeches.
For centuries, women have fought for their rights. Nevertheless, the first international Women’s Rights Day took place in New York, the 28th of February 1909.
New York was the first city to celebrate this kind of manifestation. It also was a protest for female suffrage. After that American event, women in every nation started to rise and protest for the vote and their rights.
Modern women have come a long way since the early 20th century. International Women’s Day, or IWD is meant to remind us of the progress women and men have made over the past centuries in terms of gender equality. Sarah Grimké, one of the first feminists said in 1838, “I know nothing of man’s rights, or women’s rights, human rights is all I recognize.”
Each year, for women’s day, an objective is set to achieve gender equality. In 2017, the objective established is 50/50 by 2030. 2017 is a year especially rich in gender equality protests due to the geopolitical climate of the world, especially in the United States.
Women’s march is a feminist association created after the American elections. It fights for gender equality, the welcoming of immigrants on the American territory, and the acceptance of LGBT communities.
For most of history, men have had more rights than women. Over the last century women have started to fight for what they thought was right. Thanks to feminism, mentalities have changed with time and the role of women in society has evolved. More than a hundred years later gender equality has still not been achieved. Women’s day is meant to learn from the past, be aware of the present, and build the future to make the world a better place for the next generation of women that will follow us.
-By Alessia F.
The Tower Times Blog 