Yesterday, March 8, was International Women's Day. A day that celebrates the social, economic, and political achievements that women have made throughout history. It is also a reminder that though women have made great leaps and bounds there are still many areas in which women are not treated equally to men.
The day is not meant to put down men, to demean them, to say that their achievements are not as worthy. It is simply a day to celebrate and recognize all the ladies who have made great contributions to our world, our lives, who you may not have ever heard of.
I'm sorry to say that this is actually my first time hearing about International Women's Day, so little recognition did it get prior to social media. But there are many countries who actually celebrate IWD as a national holiday!
Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, China (for women only), Cuba, Georgia, Guinea-Bissau, Eritrea, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Madagascar (for women only), Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Nepal (for women only), Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam and Zambia
I've read that it's similar to the US version of Mother's Day where women receive small gifts of appreciation. But I kind of like the fact that IWD isn't exclusively for women who have children.
Here are some great links I've found around the web that celebrate women. Click on the pictures to be taken to some really interesting female-centered articles.
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| via i09 |
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| via Brain Pickings |
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| via PBS |
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| Via Tumblr |
It's amazing to see how far we've come over even just the past few decades. As you said, there is still work to be done, but it's awesome to have a day when we can reflect on all the great things that women have done in the world.
ReplyDeleteThis is the first year I have also heard of International Women's Day. I like that you have included that this isn't to demean men, that's important to remember too. I was really sad however to hear about the Feminists who were arrested in China. Great Links
ReplyDeleteI love IWD. I love the countries that I know normally have such strict rules for women and seeing women and men stand up for women's rights and celebrate our sex and gender.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was in 8th grade, my friends and I had a party for International Women's Day, and we all dressed up as well-known women. I would love to do that again! I love how social media has changed IWD and made it a more recognized holiday. It's incredible that there are countries out there that celebrate it in such big ways! I love it!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like so much fun. That should definitely be a party-theme. I hope that one day it becomes an even bigger deal than it already is. How awesome!
ReplyDeleteYes! I was surprised to see some of those countries that actually have it as a national holiday. I mean, how awesome is that? I love that men stand up too.
ReplyDeleteIt was sad about China. Though, it's great that there are people who are standing up for what they believe in. Hopefully, one day no one will get arrested, targeted, or threatened for what they believe.
ReplyDeleteThat's so true. I really had no idea about half of the women in the articles I read. I've heard of Marie Curie and some others but the majority were lost on me. I love that they get recognized on at least one day.
ReplyDeleteFantastic curation. Thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading!
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