“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; it is the only thing that ever has.” —Margaret Mead
In 1865 an advocate for women’s rights, John Mill encompassed mass groups of women fighting for suffrage. The Union was led by Millicent Fawcett and the organisation by Emmeline Pankhurst. Developing into a global phenomenon, by 1908; inequality led to 15,000 women marching the streets of NYC demanding voting rights. With the burning of churches and Emily Davison throwing herself in front of a horse at the Derby in Britain; soon enough the voices of women were being heard.
The first International Women’s Day (IWD) was proclaimed on 28th February across America, soon followed by German Socialist Clara Zetkin and the country of Russia. Western Europe followed the USSR when the UN General Assembly proclaimed March 8th as the UN Day for Women’s Rights in 1977. Women have accomplished so much since 1865 and now each year IWD is growing. Annually, 8th March is a worldwide celebration with thousands of events being held to inspire and celebrate achievements connecting the female race.
Having lived in Italy, I remember IWD vividly; in every region girls would arrive at school to discover the symbol of IWD- the mimosa flower lying on their desks. In Portugal, it‘s tradition to organise dinner with only women. In Russia, chocolates and flowers are given to sisters, grandmothers, even teachers from their students- a nice change from the traditional apple. In 2012, Barack Obama declared March “Women’s History Month” to commemorate the 100th anniversary of IWD; not forgetting Australia, the country issued a 100th anniversary commemorative coin.
IWD is a time to rejoice women, at the end of the 19th century, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson became the first lady to qualify as a doctor yet men wouldn’t go to her because she was female. Women had a stereotypical role in society; expected to marry and attend to their children. Now look at us, being able to go to dinner together, have an educated view point and intellectual conversations ranging from family to current affairs. Pankhurst and Davison would be proud that now 1/3 of businesses are led by women, IWD is a time not only to recognise women’s rights and their independence but also rejoice in being mothers, having close friends, being able to talk and laugh together, countless evenings with my girlfriends with tubs of Ben and Jerry’s spring to mind.
Guys- If finding your soul mate is proving elusive take a step into an Italian male’s direction, 8th March women are out in force so it’s the perfect night to possibly meet the one and if it doesn’t go quite according to plan you can always find solace in a good box of chocolates. But why is it that in the UK people aren’t aware of the significance of 8th March? Ladies, let’s put a date in our diaries for next year, a date for cocktails with your girlfriends – as if we need any excuse. Remembering the women of yesterday and thanking the women of today for teaching the history to the women of tomorrow is what 8th March is all about.