International Women’s Day (IWD) is a worldwide celebration of women’s social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. It also serves as a call to action to accelerate gender equality. The theme of IWD 2023 is #EmbraceEquity, emphasizing the importance of gender equity in all aspects of society. https://www.maersk.com/news/articles/2023/03/08/celebrating-international-womens-day
“The first National Woman’s Day was observed in the United States on February 28, 1909, which the Socialist Party of America dedicated in honor of the 1908 garment workers’ strike in New York where women protested against harsh working conditions.” UNESCO.
It took until 1975 for the United Nations to recognize and begin celebrating International Women’s Day (IWD). Since then, the UN has served as the major sponsor of the yearly event, encouraging more countries to recognize “acts of courage and resolve by ordinary women who have played an outstanding role in the history of their countries and communities.” https://www.euronews.com/culture/2023/03/08/five-facts-you-need-to-know-about-international-womens-day
IWD is recognized as an official national holiday in Armenia, Belarus, Cambodia, Cuba, Georgia, Laos, Mongolia, Montenegro, Russia, Uganda, Ukraine and Vietnam. An interesting list of countries supporting women, for sure. In certain countries like Albania, Macedonia, Serbia and Uzbekistan, Women’s Day has been combined with Mother’s Day, a merger to highlight the importance of women as mothers. Id.
HOW TO CELEBRATE THE WOMEN IN YOUR CIRCLE
The International Women’s Day organization suggests:
- Celebrate women’s achievements. How? Just tell the women in your life you are proud of their achievements! Equally important – tell others.
- Educate, spread awareness, and fundraise for women’s equality. Find a cause you can support – then support it with your time, voice, or money.
- Call for positive change advancing women. Women in business are uniquely situated to support and advance other women in business. Do it!
- Lobby for accelerated gender parity. If politics are your thing – get involved, or just write to your local and national representatives seeking support on gender related issues.
HOW DOES BERGMANN LAW HONOR IWD?
I like to think we celebrate IWD every day here at Bergmann Law. With an all-female staff, and the profound support of each other, from different backgrounds, with different talents and goals, I am grateful and proud of the growth and culture we have created as a result. Women in business are clients we are particularly grateful and satisfied to assist and if you are a woman looking to get into business, or take yours to the next level, we are here to help. In the meantime, find the women in your life, support them in all their endeavors and be the optimist they need to thrive.
