On 8th March every year, women all around the world celebrate International Women’s Day. It is a day to remember the struggles of women for social and political rights and equality.
A bit of history…
The idea of an International Women’s Day dates back to the turn of the 20th century. At that time, factory workers in many countries protested over bad working conditions and low wages. On 8th March 1857 women from clothing factories organised one such protest in New York City. In 1910, the first international women’s conference in Copenhagen established an International Women’s Day to celebrate the movement for women’s rights and to help gain women’s right to vote. In Russia demonstrations on International Women’s Day were the first stage of the Russian Revolution of 1917.
So how do women celebrate International Women’s Day?
In most countries around the world on Women’s Day, men give their mothers, wives, girlfriends, etc. flowers or gifts. Women’s groups around the world organise different events, such as political rallies, theatrical performances, fashion shows and more. In some countries of the former Soviet Union, such as Russia, Bulgaria and Ukraine, it is an official holiday!
What about the future?
Women have won many battles over the years. But there is still a long way to go. Equal opportunities to work and education are still a dream for millions of women. Organisations, such as the The Girl Effect (www.girleffect.org), help women around the world make this dream come true.
Do women really have the power to change the world? Watch the video and say if you agree!