Eight facts you need to know about International Women’s Day
TNT NEWS | March 8, 2019:
Women have come a long way in this world, and rightfully so that progress is honoured every year on March 8. Obviously, we don't need a designated holiday to celebrate the ongoing strength and courage of women, but it's nice to have a day to appreciate the hard work made by previous generations in the fight for gender equality. That's exactly what International Women's Day is all about.
The progress that women have made since the first International Women's Day in 1908 is monumental. It all started when 15,000 women marched through the streets of New York City that year demanding shorter work hours, better pay, and the right to vote. Who knows where we'd be right now if not for those 15,000 women? So take some time to fully understand this holiday, what it means, and how it'll continue to inspire change around the world.
Here are eight fascinating facts about International Women's Day that you should know:
#1. The first modern International Women's Day was held in 1914, four years after its conception. March 8, 1914 was chosen because it was a Sunday, which a majority of women would have off from work and thus would be able to participate in marches and other events. March 8 was then chosen to be the date for International Women's Day.
#2. International Women's Day was celebrated for the first time by the United Nations in 1975, which was designated as International Women's Year.
#3. On December 1977, the General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming a United Nations Day for Women's Rights and International Peace to be observed on any day of the year by Member States, in accordance with their historical and national traditions.
#4. It's an official holiday in 27 countries including China, Vietnam, Uganda, Afghanistan, Cuba, and Russia.
#5. The meaning of the holiday has evolved. It began as a massive protest by women who wanted better working conditions, better pay, and the right to vote. But since then, the holiday has evolved into a day of awareness on women's progress in the ongoing fight for gender equality, and a day to address issues across the globe that directly affect women.
#6. It started as a day, and is now celebrated all month long. President Obama was responsible for making March Women's History Month, starting in 2011. And even though IWD was created by women for women, it is honoured each year by more and more men who understand the importance of gender equality.
#7. The 2016 theme for International Women's Day is "Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step It Up for Gender Equality". The United Nations observance on 8 March will reflect on how to accelerate the 2030 Agenda, building momentum for the effective implementation of the new Sustainable Development Goals. It will equally focus on new commitments under UN Women's Step It Up initiative, and other existing commitments on gender equality, women's empowerment and women's human rights around a #PledgeForParity hashtag.
#8. The International Women's Day logo is in purple and white and features the symbol of Venus, the female symbol.
You can check out the International Women's Day website here for more information.
