From being able to legally vote and continuing to combat discrimination in the workplace, women have come a long way within the past century, making their voices heard and forging towards the future with independence, strength, compassion, and wisdom.
International Women’s Day is all about appreciating and honoring all the women that have contributed to the progression towards gender equality from the past, present, and even the future, as we continue blazing a trail for the generations of women to come.
This International Women’s Day, Acorn Stairlifts celebrates all of the amazing women in the world that have made a difference, not just from their multiple contributions throughout the course of history, but through the ways in which they touch peoples’ personal lives on a daily basis as well.
Read on to learn about the history behind International Women’s Day and how you can join in on celebrating all of the wonderful women in your life and all over the world.
When is International Women’s Day?
International Women’s Day is on 8 March every year.
This year, in 2023, International Women’s Day falls on a Wednesday.
What is the Theme for International Women’s Day 2023?
Every year in December, the theme for International Women’s Day is determined by UN Women.
The theme for International Women’s Day 2023 is “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality.” It revolves around recognizing and celebrating the women “championing the advancement of transformative technology and digital education.”
The theme also explores “the impact of the digital gender gap on widening economic and social inequalities,” as well as spotlighting “the importance of protecting the rights of women and girls in digital spaces and addressing online and ICT-facilitated gender-based violence.”
Additionally, this theme also mirrors the central theme for the upcoming 67th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW-67), “Innovation and technological change, and education in the digital age for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls.”
Some ways that you can participate in the IWD celebration this year include donating to a charity that invests in the funding of gender equality or supports a better world for women, showing the women in your life how much you support and appreciate them, and promoting gender equality and raising awareness by participating in #EmbraceEquity.
How Did International Women’s Day Start?
Although the first official International Women’s Day was declared and recognized by the UN in 1975, the history behind International Women’s Day actually goes back much further.
In fact, it originated back in 1908 in New York City during a women’s rights march where 15,000 people advocated for better wages and voting rights. This led to the recognition of the first Women’s Day in the United States in 1909.
German advocate for women’s rights, Claire Zetkin, saw a global vision of what this day could be, suggesting that the commemorated event be taken to the 1910 International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen.
Other countries such as Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Germany followed suit in celebrating this day in 1911 when they joined in on the occasion as well.
Now, every year on March 8, International Women’s Day is celebrated on a global scale.
Get Inspired—Words of Wisdom from Women
If we’ve learned anything throughout history, it’s that when a woman talks, you should be listening.
Get inspired by the wise words of these strong, influential women that exemplify the beauty and empowerment of what it means to be a woman.
International Women’s Day Quotes
“Feminism isn’t about making women strong. Women are already strong. It’s about changing the way the world perceives that strength.”
“Do not live someone else's life and someone else's idea of what womanhood is. Womanhood is you.”
“There’s something so special about a woman who dominates in a man’s world. It takes a certain grace, strength, intelligence, fearlessness, and the nerve to never take no for an answer.”
“I do not wish women to have power over men; but over themselves.”
“A strong woman understands that the gifts such as logic, decisiveness, and strength are just as feminine as intuition and emotional connection. She values and uses all of her gifts.”
“We need to reshape our own perception of how we view ourselves. We have to step up as women and take the lead.”
“If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman.”
“I don't know a woman alive who isn't courageous.”
“I say, It’s the fire in my eyes, And the flash of my teeth, The swing in my waist, And the joy in my feet.
I’m a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That’s me.”
-Maya Angelou
To read Maya Angelou’s full poem of “Phenomenal Woman,” click here.
To learn more about the history of women’s rights, the contributions that women have made throughout history, and more about the influential women themselves, check out these resources:
https://parade.com/973936/leighweingus/influential-women-in-history/
https://www.marieclaire.com/culture/g19444830/famous-women-in-history/
https://interactive.unwomen.org/multimedia/timeline/womensfootprintinhistory/en/index.html#front1
https://www.unwomen.org/en/news/stories/2021/3/compilation-women-leaders-we-admire
https://www.historyextra.com/100-women/100-women-results/
https://www.history.com/topics/womens-history/womens-history-us-timeline
Happy International Women’s Day!
