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For the past one hundred years, the existence of nearly half our population has been celebrated on March 8th. March 8th marks the date of Women’s day, a day in which the men of the world celebrate and show their love towards mothers, sisters, spouses, and all the women in their lives. In some respects, it is very similar to another, more famous holiday, Valentine’s Day. Many nations across many continents observe and celebrate the holiday. Women’s Day is an important holiday, and one which has gained much momentum around the world in the past decades.
Women’s Day was first celebrated in 1909, In the United States, during a time of great unjust toward women in the workplace. Women’s Day became a symbol for such tragedies at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire of 1911 and several rallies promoting better working conditions for women. Soon after, the holiday began to be celebrated by millions of men and women across the globe. In the 1930’s, there was a decline in popularity for the holiday. Then with the revitalized feminism movement in the 1960’s, Women’s Day once again became a holiday celebrated by millions across the world. Since its establishment, one hundred years ago, Women’s Day has continued to garner popularity. Each decade, more and more countries are added to the list of celebrating nations. But with such diverse cultures celebrating Women’s Day, the celebrations have become varied from nation to nation.
Each country and culture celebrates Women’s Day in their own unique way. Many countries celebrate by having the men give flowers and gifts to the women in their lives. In Italy, men give yellow mimosas to women in celebration of the holiday. In Portugal and Romania, a women only dinner takes place on the evening of March 8th every year. In Poland, large demonstrations are held in major cities for the holiday. And even in Pakistan, where many rights of women have been taken away by religious and cultural practices, celebrations take place.
Not only do the celebrations that take place around the world commemorate women, but also their struggle to gain equality. In the early years of the holiday, it was also used as a day to promote better working wages, hours, and conditions for females. Following the revival of Women’s Day in the 1960’s, the holiday became associated with the advancement of rights for Women across the globe. This has been met with some hostility, especially in the Middle East and Muslim nations, where religion and culture are against the equality of women. The international focus of the most recent Women’s Day (2009) was the lack of health care and treatment for women in war situations.
Women’s Day has even gotten the attention of the United Nations, a world peace organization. The UN declared that 1975 was International Women’s Year. They also established International Women’s Day and began sponsoring it. The UN’s goal in doing this is to promote equal rights for Women everywhere. |