March 8th was International Women’s Day! International Women’s Day is a global day that celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, while also marking a call to action for accelerating gender balance. Today is all about creating a more balanced world, celebrating women’s achievements, raising awareness against things like gender bias and taking actions that will lead to more equality across the planet.
The first International Women’s Day occurred back in 1911, and was supported by over one million people. Today, International Women’s Day belongs to all groups of people collectively everywhere. Communities hold events, people come together and the cause is supported across the world!
The theme this year is #BalanceforBetter, with the aim of creating a more gender-balanced world. The belief is that men and women should be entitled to the same rights, privileges and life. Because of this, thousands of pictures have been posted of people standing with their arms out in a shrug-like posture with their arms extended on either side, symbolizing the attempt at balance. That is to show that gender balance is crucial if we want our communities to thrive. This is not merely a women’s issue – it’s a business issue too! Workplaces across the country are experiencing a shift where women are finally gaining the same rights that men have enjoyed for centuries, and we are finally starting to move closer to a level of equality.
This theme does not end after today though – balance is so desperately needed all year round! This year’s campaign theme provides a unified direction to help guide and galvanize continuous collective action, with #BalanceforBetter activity reinforced and amplified all year round.
It is going to take collective action and shared responsibility in order to drive a gender-balanced world. Every person alive has a part to play in making the world a better place. From grassroots activism to worldwide action, humanity is entering an exciting period of history where the world is starting to expect balance, because that is what drives a better working world.
Gloria Steinem, world-renowned feminist, journalist and activist once explained “The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights”… it is up to all of us to carry on this mission of equality throughout the rest of the year.
Go forth and make a difference!