When did it all start ?
International Women’s Day has a rich history dating back 108 years — the first glimpse of it was in 1909 when the Socialist Party of America celebrated 15,000 women who protested long work hours, low pay, and the lack of voting rights in New York City.
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On March 8, 1917 (February 23 in the former Russian calendar), tens of thousands of Russian women took to the streets demanding change. The unified cry for help paved the way for Russian women to be granted voting rights soon after.
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Hence, Russia set the trend for celebrating Women's Day on 8th March and it became a
declared holiday in Russia since 1913
What changed because of this day? How is it helping us?
Women's day marked the acceptance of voting rights and "earning own bread" concept for women in the society, which was not a wise thought back then.
In today's world, we do see a lot of special HR women policies as a mandate, in our job place. Well, this would not have been possible if the movement was not there.
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"Gender parity is a statistical measure that compares a particular indicator among women, like average income, to the same indicator among men." Read more
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Are we in a better position?
Should we question not having a
special day for women ?
It's been a while that things have definitely improved since the time the movement started.
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While it goes without saying that the work to recognize and provide women of all backgrounds a platform should be a daily effort, this becomes a particularly louder conversation each year on International Women’s Day (March 8). In 1910 German activist Clara Zetkin protested to honor working women and those who have broken political and social boundaries. IWD has evolved in many parts of the world in different ways, whether in the form of celebration or protest. In many ways, its relevance remains strong in its unity and advocacy.
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Theme for 2020 #EachforEqual #IWD2020
Each for Equal is the theme for 2020. An equal world is an enabled world.
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IWD 2020 sees a number of MISSIONS to help forge a gender-equal world.
Celebrating women's achievements and increasing visibility, while calling out inequality, is key.
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First in series: Comic strip. Reading and curriculum material for gender rights awareness. Feel free to share or use in your efforts to bring about political and social change. (Concept: Tanushree Ghosh; Art and Rendering: Madhumanti Ghosh, Ipsa Jain)
Faces of Feminism
We share stories of women from different backgrounds who have not only framed their struggles into success, but inspire others to do so. To know more such programs, visit Food For Thought. Faces of Feminism photo by Aparajita Dutta
A registered nonprofit committed to ending gender violence and facilitating social justice