March 8 is International Women’s Day (IWD) and marks a “call to action”. It is also the day we celebrate women’s achievements. In 1908, thousands of women marched through New York City demanding voting rights, improved working conditions and better pay. Their collective voices raised attention to the inequalities and oppression women were facing. Women continued to organize, advocate and fight for equality and safety, throughout the years. In 1977, the United Nations proclaimed a United Nations Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace – and March 8th officially became International Women’s Day. Purple, green and white are the colors representing IWD. Purple signifies justice and dignity and green symbolizes hope; though controversial, white represents purity.
This year’s theme is #ChooseToChallenge. People are asked to show their solidarity by raising their hand and calling out all forms of inequality and gender inequities that are unhelpful to women. You can submit your #ChooseToChallenge picture by going to the International Women’s Day website.
As we celebrate the courageous women who have contributed to the women’s movement, we must remember our Call to Action. Women and girls continue to be oppressed, neglected and experience violence in countless ways; gender inequality thrives globally. We must remember the 200 million women and girls alive today that have undergone female genital mutilation — and, the countless women and girls who have been denied access to education —- and, all of our sisters, mothers and daughters who face daily inequities, oppression and abuse. Today, we must rise to the call of action and #ChooseToChallenge. Today, our voices must join together and be heard around the world.
Take your #firststepfirstchange and become a Steel City Ally.