Celebrating International Women’s Day
In the heart of every March, we find a day dedicated to the celebration of women across the globe - International Women's Day. It's not just a day; it's a reflection of the journey, the struggle, the resilience, and the triumphs of women. This year, as we mark International Women's Day, have you ever wondered about its origins? Its significance? How we can all be a part of this empowering movement?
I have and that is why I have created the email for you, just incase you were curious like me.
So grab a cuppa and take a seat.
The Origins of International Women's Day:
The seeds of International Women's Day were sown in the early 1900s, a time when the world was experiencing great expansion and turbulence. The industrial revolution led to a boom, but also to glaring disparities. Women, in particular, faced challenging work conditions, inequitable pay, and were devoid of voting rights. It was in this backdrop that the first National Woman's Day was observed in the United States in 1909, inspired by the 1908 garment workers' strike in New York.
The idea gained international momentum, and in 1911, International Women's Day was marked for the first time in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. Since then, it has grown into a global day of recognition and celebration, embracing diverse cultures, communities, and perspectives.
International Women's Day, celebrated on March 8th, has a rich history filled with inspiring stories that highlight the courage, determination, and resilience of women who fought for gender equality and workers' rights. Here are some detailed and factual accounts that capture the essence of how this important day began:
1. The 1908 Garment Workers' Strike in New York City
- In 1908, in an era of extreme inequality and oppressive working conditions, a pivotal event occurred. About 15,000 women garment workers, many of whom were immigrants, took to the streets of New York City. They protested against the inhumane working conditions, low wages, and the lack of voting rights.
- These women, working in unsafe environments for long hours, sparked a movement. Their brave stand brought attention to the unfair labor practices of the time. This strike is often considered a catalyst for the establishment of National Woman's Day in the U.S.
2. The Establishment of National Woman's Day in the U.S. (1909):
- Inspired by the 1908 strike, the Socialist Party of America declared the first National Woman's Day, observed on February 28, 1909. This day was primarily focused on the rights of working women and suffrage.
- This event was marked by rallies and demonstrations across the United States. Women spoke out not just for labor rights but also for broader social and political equality.
3. Clara Zetkin's Proposal for an International Women's Day (1910):
- Clara Zetkin, a German Marxist and advocate for women's rights, played a pivotal role in the internationalization of the day. At the Second International Conference of Working Women held in Copenhagen in 1910, Zetkin proposed the idea of an International Women's Day.
- Her proposal was to have a special day annually in every country where women would press for their demands. This was unanimously approved by over 100 women from 17 countries, including the first three women elected to the Finnish parliament.
4. The First International Women's Day (1911):
- The first International Women's Day was celebrated on March 19, 1911, in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. Over a million women and men attended rallies campaigning for women's rights to work, vote, be trained, hold public office, and end discrimination.
- Sadly, just a week after this celebration, the tragic Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in New York City took the lives of more than 140 working women, highlighting the critical need for improved labour laws and safety conditions.
5. The Link to Russian Women’s Protests and the February Revolution (1917):
- On March 8, 1917 (February 23 on the Julian calendar), women in Petrograd (now St. Petersburg), Russia, held a strike for "bread and peace" in response to the death of over 2 million Russian soldiers in World War I. This was a significant political event that contributed to the February Revolution.
- The protest led to the abdication of the Tsar, and the provisional Government granted women the right to vote. The date of the protest on March 8 became historically significant and was later chosen as the date to celebrate International Women’s Day globally.
These stories not only underscore the origins of International Women's Day but also embody the spirit of determination and solidarity that continues to inspire the quest for gender equality today.What International Women's Day Represents:
Today, International Women's Day serves as a canvas, displaying the diverse and vibrant contributions of women in society. It's a day to applaud their achievements, acknowledge their struggles, and renew our commitment to supporting gender equality. It's a celebration of how women have broken barriers and continue to shape the future, balancing the intricate blend of personal growth, professional excellence, and emotional health.
How to Honour This Day
1. Reflect and Recognise: Take a moment to reflect on the women who have influenced your life. Acknowledge their strength, their stories, and their impact on your personal journey. Maybe even send them a thank you message to show your gratitude and recognition of what they have done. Recognise your own personal struggles you have encountered and take a moment to hold your own heart and pain and give gratitude to your own resilience.
2. Educate and Elevate: Use this day to learn about women's achievements and struggles, both historically and in the present day. Share these stories to spread awareness and inspiration. There are so many wonderful movies showing achievements of incredible women through history. Maybe snuggle down and watch one tonight? Let me know what you chose.
I went to an event at Broomhill Art & Sculpture Hotel, a few years ago where a woman had gathered stories through history and created ceramics to honour each one, it was such a wonderful idea and I was amazed at some of the amazing stories and achievements against so much adversity.
3. Connect and Care: Reach out to the women in your life. Whether it's through a simple message, a thoughtful gesture, or spending quality time, show them they are valued and celebrated.
4. Be an active advocate for change and awareness in your family or community.
The Ripple of Today, The Wave of Tomorrow
As we celebrate International Women's Day, let us remember that our actions, our words, and our thoughts can create ripples that turn into waves of change. Every step towards understanding, every effort towards equality, and every celebration of a woman's worth brings us closer to a balanced, inclusive, and thriving world. Let us continue to weave this tapestry of change, not just today, but every day.
To all you women reading this, have a wonderful day, you are AMAZING
With Love
Sue xxx
These are some remarkable movies that showcase inspirational women throughout history that have been brought to my attention, and ones that I will watch over the next month. Have you seen any of these? What were your thoughts? Message me I would love to know of any that have moved you that I can share? I recently watched and enjoyed,
1. Lessons in Chemistry
by Bonnie Garmus is a novel set in the 1960s and centers around Elizabeth Zott, a chemist who, after facing setbacks in her scientific career due to gender discrimination, becomes a beloved cooking show host. The story explores themes such as sexism in the workplace, the constraints on women’s ambitions, and motherhood, offering a mix of humor and thought-provoking commentary on societal norms of the time. Elizabeth’s character demonstrates resilience and determination in the face of adversity
2. Hidden Figures (2016):
- This film tells the true story of three brilliant African-American women at NASA — Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson — who played a pivotal role in one of the greatest operations in history: the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit.
3. Suffragette (2015):
- Set in early 20th-century Britain, "Suffragette" portrays the foot soldiers of the early feminist movement as they fought for the right to vote. The film focuses on Maud, a working wife and mother who becomes an activist for the cause.
4. Erin Brockovich (2000):
- Based on a true story, this film stars Julia Roberts as Erin Brockovich, a legal assistant who, against all odds, helps win the largest settlement ever paid in a direct-action lawsuit. Brockovich’s relentless and tenacious pursuit of justice for a community suffering from industrial pollution makes this an inspiring watch.
5. The Iron Lady (2011):
- Meryl Streep portrays Margaret Thatcher, the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. The film explores Thatcher’s path to power and the cost it had on her personal life, highlighting her strength and determination.
6. Agora (2009):
- Set in Roman Egypt, this film tells the story of Hypatia of Alexandria, a female philosopher, mathematician, and astronomer in late 4th-century Roman Egypt, who investigates the flaws of the geocentric Ptolemaic system and the heliocentric model that challenges it.
7. On the Basis of Sex (2018):
- This biopic follows the early career of Ruth Bader Ginsburg as a struggling attorney and new mother facing adversity and numerous obstacles in her fight for equal rights. The film showcases her journey to becoming a U.S. Supreme Court Justice.
8. Harriet (2019):
- This biographical film tells the extraordinary tale of Harriet Tubman's escape from slavery and transformation into one of America’s greatest heroes, leading hundreds of enslaved people to freedom via the Underground Railroad.
9. Frida (2002):
- This film depicts the professional and private life of the surrealist Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, who channeled the pain of a crippling injury and her tempestuous marriage into her work.
10. Queen of Katwe (2016):
- This is the true story of a young girl from the streets of rural Uganda whose world changes when she is introduced to the game of chess, leading her to pursue a dream of becoming an international chess champion.
11. Joy (2015):
- This biographical film follows the life of Joy Mangano, a self-made millionaire who created her own business empire with the invention of the Miracle Mop.
12.. Colette (2018):
This story is about the French novelist Colette, who overcomes an abusive marriage to emerge as a leading writer in her country and a candidate for the Nobel Prize in Literature.
13. The Lady (2011):
- The Lady is a biographical film about Aung San Suu Kyi, the Burmese political leader known for her nonviolent struggle for democracy and human rights in Myanmar (formerly Burma).
The movie portrays Suu Kyi's enduring dedication to her country, despite facing immense personal sacrifices, including long periods of house arrest and separation from her family.
- It delves into her life as the daughter of Aung San, a hero of Burmese independence, her rise as a leader of the democracy movement in Myanmar, and her receipt of the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize.
"The Lady" is an inspiring portrayal of a contemporary female political figure's courage, commitment, and influence in the face of overwhelming odds, making it a poignant and relevant film for discussions about women's roles in politics and society.
Enjoy! the list is endless! I have seen quite a few of these but the rest are on my list now!
References
1. The 1908 Garment Workers' Strike in New York City:
- This significant event, where about 15,000 women garment workers marched through New York City, is documented in detail by Workers World. They highlight the women's demand for economic and political rights, inspired by a similar march in 1857
2. The Establishment of National Woman's Day in the U.S. (1909):
- Wikipedia provides information on the New York shirtwaist strike of 1909, also known as the Uprising of the 20,000, which was a labour strike involving primarily Jewish women working in New York shirtwaist factories.
3. Clara Zetkin's Proposal for an International Women's Day (1910):
- The American Garment Workers Who Helped Inspire International Women’s Day, as covered by Smithsonian Magazine, discusses the role of the International Ladies’ Garment Workers’ Union and the Women’s Trade Union League in the movement. It also touches on the strikes in the early 20th century that were instrumental in shaping the day.
4. The First International Women's Day (1911):
- The Socialist Origins of International Women's Day as explored by JSTOR Daily offers insights into the proposal by Clara Zetkin and the inaugural celebration of the day in Europe in 1911
5. The Link to Russian Women’s Protests and the February Revolution (1917):
- The People's Tribune provides a detailed account of how the tragedy of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in New York City in 1911 changed the public’s perception of unions and played a role in intensifying efforts to observe March 8th each year as International Women’s Day
