This Monday, the 8th of March 2021, will mark another International Women’s Day. The theme for this years’ International Women’s Day is #ChooseToChallenge. International Women’s Day is a day to celebrate all that women have achieved in the world and all that they can achieve. Socially, Politically, Economically, Culturally, and Personally.
Gender equality may not be achieved this decade or the next, maybe not this century either but we know at least, one day, equality will be achieved. International Women’s’ Day began in New York, United States as National Women’s Day when about 15,000 women-led by Theresa Serber Malkiel, a Russian activist marched the streets of New York City demanding the right to vote, better pay and shorter hours.
The first National Women’s Day was held on February 28th, 1909 and it was organized by the Socialist Party of America. Clara Zetkin, the leader of the Women’s Office for the Social Democratic Party in Germany made a proposal regarding an International Women’s Day in 1910.
In her proposal, she said that on the same day of every year in every country, there should be a celebration for women. The conference hosted over 100 women from about 17 countries in Copenhagen, Denmark.
International Women’s Day was held for the first time in Germany on March 8th 1914, probably because that day was a Sunday, and it has been held on that day ever since worldwide.
In countries such as Armenia, Moldova, Russia, Afghanistan, Angola, Tajikistan, Zambia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Burkina Faso, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, Laos, Ukraine, Uganda, Cuba, Georgia, Guinea Bissau, Cambodia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Eritrea, Kazakhstan, etc. the International Women’s Day is observed as a public holiday.
In other countries such as Romania, Croatia, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Chile, Bosnia and Herzegovina, etc, The International Women’s Day is not observed as a public holiday but it is recognized and recognized.
