International Women’s Day is celebrated every year on March 8th. The date for this celebration was chosen to honor women in Soviet Russia who were granted the right to vote in 1917 after a protest that began on March 8th. It is a day to recognize the achievements of women all around the world and to empower women to continue to fight for equality.
Every year, a campaign theme is chosen for this day, and this year, the theme is #BreakTheBias. The purpose is to go further than just understanding that biases exist, and for all individuals to participate in breaking biases that exist for women. Everyone can take part in breaking biases by speaking up when they witness biases in their community and being more conscious of their own biases and working on eliminating them, which will also set an example for the younger generation to be more inclusive to ensure that today’s children grow up without stereotypes.
There are many ways to celebrate International Women’s Day. One way to celebrate is to thank a woman in your life whose made a difference to you. Be sure to recognize her hard work and to ask what you can do to help her continue to thrive. A great way to support women on this day and throughout the year is to support women-owned business. Yelp is a great place to find women-owned businesses because they grant a badge to these businesses to help consumers identify the local business owned by women. To let all women know you stand by them and support them in fighting for equality, wear purple on March 8th. The color purple was chosen for this day because it symbolizes justice and dignity.
Women Who Broke Barriers
Kamala Harris - In January 2021, Kamala Harris became the first female vice president of The United States. Harris's motto is a phrase her mother once said to her, “You may be the first, but make sure you’re not the last.”
Malala Yousafzai - In 2008, Malala Yousafzai was denied continuing her education in Pakistan, which was devastating to her because she enjoyed attending school, so in 2012, she decided to speak out on the right for an education for girls. Even after getting shot in the head for her action, she continues to advocate for the rights of women.
Dolores Huerta - Dolores Huerta is a civil rights activist who fought for the rights of farm laborers. She was the co-founder of the United Farm Workers of America union, which works toward helping farmworkers earn a livable wage, and it fights for good working conditions for the farmworkers.
Claudia Gordon - After facing discrimination in Jamaica for being deaf, Claudia Gordon immigrated to The United States to finish her education, and she broke a huge barrier when she became the first Deaf black female attorney.