The Resilience of Women
On February 28, 1909, many women protested against working conditions. On March 8, 1914, women organized and participated in rallies in order to protest WWI and to stand in solidarity with other activists. Women have been fighting for a long time now. Whether it was for women’s rights, for equality, and for change within our world. Our ancestors have proven to be bold, powerful, and worthy of being listened to. As a result of the resilience of women, the United Nations gathered in 1975 and declared March 8th as International Women’s Day. March 8th may be just like any other day to some. However, to many people like myself, this day holds such an important and powerful place in my heart. This day was created in order to celebrate the women that inspire us, that move us, and that fight for change. We celebrate not only the women who live in close proximity to us, but for all women all over the world. How did the world celebrate on March 8, 2018? Many popular companies decided to promote this special and monumental day through their advertising and introduction of new products. Firstly, McDonald’s flipped their iconic golden arc to make a W.
Barbie has introduced new dolls for girls that vary in skin color, size, and background. They will be releasing dolls based on Frida Kahlo, Amelia Earhart, Chloe Kim, and Olympic athletes. They have also released a new social media campaign, #MoreRoleModels in order to celebrate and recognize women from all walks of life.
Women all over the world also protested and lined the streets in order to fight for equality, workers rights, to stand up against sexual assault and violence towards women, and for gender equality. Those in Spain encouraged other women to not spend any money and not to do any chores for that day. The Women’s Strike Assembly in the UK encouraged women to “wear red, bring an umbrella, and join us”. Those living in the Philippines protested in order to fight against President Rodrigo Duterte and how he has violated women’s rights. In India, women also protested in order to show their support and consolation for young women who have been continuously sexually assaulted. These women decided to march in the direction of Parliament in order to make a statement- they must take action against violence, sexual assault, and discrimination towards women.
As you can tell, issues that affect women so deeply not only apply to the United States. These issues affect women all over the world. Women from all cultural backgrounds, religions, sexual orientations and ages are being affected. However, we refuse to remain silent regarding these issues.
While there is a specified day to celebrate all women from all walks of life, this does not mean that we stop fighting. This does not mean that we stop celebrating the women who love, believe, and challenge us. I challenge you to celebrate every day like it is International Women’s Day.
How can I do that?
1. Reach out to those women in your life who have inspired you. This can be friends, family, teachers, and writers, those in the media, businesswomen, and more!
2.Educate yourself about the history of International Women’s Day.
3.Tell others around you about this day and its importance.
4.Celebrate all women by consuming media, art, and information created by women all over the world. Personally, I love to read different works written by inspiring women like Maya Angelou, Malala Yousafazi, and Rupi Kaur and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
To all the women out there, you are strong, kind, beautiful, and bold. Use your voice and shatter those glass ceilings. Here’s to all the resilient women, we see you, hear you and stand with you.