Before coming to Norway, I never thought of March 8 as being relevant. Until this year, every March has passed by without much significance aside from the incoming Spring. I first heard of International Women’s Day one night during dinner from a relative. She mentioned that we should go to the city center together and participate in the march that coming Tuesday. I was confused and asked what the march was for. I hadn’t heard of anything special about the 8th of March before. She then told me that it was for International Women’s Day. I asked her what it was. She looked at me incredulously, “Don’t you celebrate that in the States?”
We don’t. But why? The word “international” is clearly stated in the name. The United States of America is one of the fastest growing Westernized countries in the world, and yet I had never heard of a day for the celebration of women. I had to question her about the details of this day: what does it celebrate? How do women celebrate it? How do men celebrate it?
She informed me that usually the male members of her family would actually congratulate her on this day. In her life, it has always been a day to be recognized. It seems very strange to me that an American citizen like me has never even heard mention of this day before this trip. I actually had to research what is being done in the U.S. to recognize this day, and it was very pleasing to see that there has been action – I just have been ignorant of it until now. (The entirety of March has been declared Women’s History Month by Obama! <3 Obama) I can't help but feel that this is typical, American ignorance. However, this day began in Socialist countries, so that may be the main reason for the widespread knowledge in Norway about International Women's Day.
I attended the march not really knowing what to expect. Everyone met in the square, men and women alike. Prepared with banners and propaganda, groups representing every cause were there, ready to march for women around the globe. I recognized the Socialist Youth (with the banner “Make Love Not Porn” – my personal favorite), Amnesty International, groups for paperless immigrant refugees, Iranian groups, domestic violence groups, Maoists, the Red Youth (communist youth), groups for education and health, and even the anarchists were present.
We marched down Karl Johan (the main street leading up to the palace) together. It was an amazing experience, and the unity I felt was empowering. It amazes me that it only takes the celebration of women’s rights to bring incredibly diverse groups together under the same banner. I hope that in the future we can bring further recognition to this day at St. Olaf!