International Women's Day!
Happy International Women’s Day!
It's that time of year again to take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate all the women of the world, all of the accomplishments we've achieved, and the progress we've made in the fight for an equal world.
What is International Women’s Day?
International Women’s Day (IWD) is globally recognized on March 8th. This day celebrates the social, cultural, economic, and political achievements of women, inspires support for organizations that help women, and aims to raise awareness about the fight for gender parity (a statistical measure that compares women and men through their income, education, and work hours). IWD is a time to appreciate how far women have come, acknowledge the barriers that still lie ahead, and advocate for change.
History of International Women’s Day
The first IWD in the United States was celebrated on February 28, 1909, in New York. This date was chosen to honor the garment strikes that occurred the year prior in which hundreds of women joined together to protest unfair working conditions in the garment industry.
Why March 8th?
International Women's Day is celebrated globally on March 8th to recognize one of the most successful female movements in history. On March 8, 1917 tens of thousands of Russian women took to the streets demanding change due to hardships and inequality suffered by women during WW1. The unified cry for help paved the way for Russian women to be granted voting rights just weeks after the movement.
This Year’s Theme
This year's International Women's Day Theme is Choose To Challenge. The goal of this theme is to emphasize the importance of challenging misconceptions and biases with the goal of creating an inclusive and gender-equal world. Change comes from challenge, so this year is all about choosing to challenge.
How To Participate
Events
In previous years, numerous events celebrating IWD were held globally. These events spanned from gatherings and informative conferences to powerful art exhibitions and festivals. These events were hosted by women's networks, charities, political parties, corporations, and other communities.
While in-person events may be far and few between this year and large demonstrations discouraged, there are still plenty of ways to get involved and celebrate International Women’s Day.
Wear Purple
Wearing purple on March 8 is one of the easiest ways to acknowledge IWD. Purple symbolizes strength and power, some of the core foundations of this cause. It was also one of the three colors adopted by the women of the Women’s Suffrage Movement.
Celebrate the Women in Your Life
Whether it’s a relative, mentor, role model, or friends, it’s important to acknowledge and appreciate the prominent women in your life and there’s no better reminder to do so than International Women’s Day. Showing your appreciation could be as easy as sending a thoughtful text or taking the time to call them and thank them for the role they’ve played in your life. Some people choose to send flowers or small gifts or do something special to show their gratitude. There’s no wrong way to let them know how much they mean to you.
Social Media
Social media is a great way to show your support! Embrace this year's theme; take a picture with your hand held high to show you're in and you commit to choosing to challenge and call out inequality. Strike the Choose To Challenge pose and share on social media to encourage other people to commit to helping forge an inclusive world.
Here's a list of hashtags you can include when posting for International Women's Day:
Here at LashBar™, we stand behind each and every woman who comes through our door, whether she be a guest or an employee. We strive to promote confidence, beauty, and individuality. We believe every woman is strong, powerful, and beautiful and deserves to be appreciated every day.
From the bottom of our hearts, we wish you all a very happy International Women's Day!
