Celebrating You on International Women’s Day
Every year, March 8th is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating women across the world while continuing to support and advocate for women’s rights. Have you ever stopped to consider how this day came to be and the importance of celebrating women like you and their achievements?
1848 – A Movement is Born Women are barred from speaking at an anti-slavery convention. Hundreds of women rally and demand civil, social, political and religious rights for women in a Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions.
1908 – The Great Unrest Women’s oppression and inequality are spurring women to become more vocal and active for change. In 1908, 15 000 women strike and march through New York City, demanding shorter hours, better pay and voting rights.
1909 – Its Europe’s Turn The first International Women’s Day takes place March 19th, 1911 across Europe. A day for women is celebrated in commemoration of the revolution of 1848 and of the “Commune de Paris”. In addition to the right to vote, women demand their rights to work, to vocational training, and an end to discrimination on the job. Over 1 million women and men attend public events to show support.
1913 – The Power Within Russia As part of the peace movement to protest World War I, Russian women observe their first International Women’s Day on the last Sunday in February (which falls on March 8th in the Gregorian calendar). Women hold rallies in droves, either to protest the war or to express solidarity with other activists.
1917 – Russia Gets the Vote As war rages, women in Russia again chose to protest and strike for “Bread and Peace” on March 8th. Four days later, the Czar abdicates the throne and the acting Government grants women the right to vote.
1977- The Year of Women The United Nations recognizes 1977 as International Women’s Year and declares March 8th as the official day.
Present Day – Happy International Women’s Day! Women across this world continue to advocate for women’s rights and equality by following in the footsteps of our great-great-grandmothers. Today, take some time to celebrate all that you do and all that they did for us and our daughters and granddaughters.
Becky Morrison is a Nurse Practitioner based out of Calgary who has specialized in mental health for over a decade. She is finally, after years of infertility, a mother of two busy little boys, and doting fur mom of her gentle giant, Stella. She is, and always will be, a strong advocate for mental wellness at all ages.
