Did you know that International Women's Day falls on March 8th? This means that every date, society celebrates and at the same time fights for the difficulties of women around the world to achieve equality. In addition, the date is also a reminder to all women that the road to achieving this goal is still very far and perhaps, steep. Want to actively participate in it? Try educating yourself about women and the difficulties they experience in different parts of the world. After that, get involved politically by donating to various organizations that support women's interests, and increase public awareness about women's issues on social media. In the end, give personal support to the precious women around you, and affirm the meaning of their existence in your life.
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Part 1 of 4: Educating Yourself
Step 1. Learn the history of International Women's Day
As previously explained, International Women's Day is a symbol of celebration of the achievements of women around the world, as well as a reminder of the hardships they have endured throughout their lives. In particular, International Women's Day is part of the workers' movement that began in the early 1900s in America and Europe. To understand the full purpose, read the history of International Women's Day in trusted books and articles online.
- The first International Women's Day was celebrated in 1909 in honor of the strike of women workers in garment factories in New York in 1908. The strike was carried out as their protest against the non-ideal working environment.
- Over time, International Women's Day continues to be celebrated as a means of protesting against situations that are not ideal. During World War I, for example, the day was used by the public to protest the war that had occurred.
- In 1975, International Women's Day was officially declared a holiday by the United Nations (UN) and is still celebrated every year until now.
Step 2. Learn about the special achievements of influential women around the world
It is undeniable, the various achievements that have been achieved by women are often ignored or not mentioned in history books. Therefore, try to read articles on the internet or quality books in the library to find various important contributions of women to civilization which, unfortunately, are not listed in general knowledge books.
- For example, search for information regarding Rosalind Franklin whose DNA test results were deemed to have had a great impact on Francis Crick, James Watson, and Maurice Wilkins, but were completely ignored by the Nobel Prize committee.
- In fact, there are quite a number of influential women whose names are less popular, such as Juana from Austria who served as regent in Spain from 1554-1559, and is still a central figure in the Spanish judiciary.
Step 3. Read more quality books
To educate yourself about historical women in the world, try spending more time visiting local libraries and bookstores. Read stories about the history of women whose roles and actions have changed the world for the better.
- Read books containing feminism theory and the important actions that represent it, such as Simone de Beauvoir's The Second Sex.
- Read books that tell about influential women figures in various parts of the world. For example, Mona Eltahawy is a writer who raises issues about Middle Eastern women in her book.
- Read the book Why I Call Myself a Feminist edited by Victoria Pepe. This book is actually a collection of essays by 25 women under the age of 30 who share their opinions on feminism and other women's issues.
Step 4. Watch an informative film
In fact, there are quite a number of films that you can watch to enrich your knowledge of women and their history. Therefore, there is nothing wrong with inviting the closest people to watch films that raise women's issues, especially those from different countries or cultures.
- To learn about international issues related to women, try watching films like Syria's Rebellious Women.
- To learn about the role of women in the employment industry, watch the documentary Who's Counting? Marilyn Waring on Sex, Lies and Global Economics.
- Identify whether or not there are festivals or film screenings in your area of residence. Believe me, this method is very effective to enrich your knowledge as well as bring you closer to other great women.
Step 5. Visit the nearest museum
Apart from museums, you can also visit local art exhibitions that showcase the best works of female engineers, female writers, female artists, etc. on that day. If none of the museums has a special event on International Women's Day, still visit it for an exhibition of works that focus on women's issues.
Part 2 of 4: Getting Politically Engaged
Step 1. Take time off, if possible
In various parts of the world, protests are carried out by encouraging women to take time off. Specifically, the action emphasized that women actually play a very important role in supporting global economic conditions. If you can afford it, try taking a day off on International Women's Day.
If you can't take time off, try not to buy anything on International Women's Day to affect the economy in your country
Step 2. Donate money, clothes, food, or even your personal time to a nearby safe house dedicated to women
Doing so is effective in reminding you of the difficulties women have to face, as well as helping you to play a more active role in overcoming these difficulties.
Invite the closest people to participate in the action to celebrate International Women's Day en masse
Step 3. Take part in a mass protest or demonstration
On International Women's Day, there are quite a number of mass actions held in various parts of the world, one of which is demonstrations. To show your support and contribution to the lives of women in different parts of the world, try participating in demonstrations which are generally spearheaded by local NGOs.
Step 4. Take a marathon or mass walk
In fact, there are quite a number of organizations and communities that hold marathon activities or mass walks on International Women's Day to raise public awareness about the various difficulties that women in various parts of the world have to face.
Get involved in a bridge walk in the area where you live. Every time International Women's Day arrives, a non-profit organization called Women for Women International holds bridge walks in various parts of the world, from Canada to China. The aim is to raise public awareness about the situation that women war survivors have to face on a daily basis. If the same activity is taking place in the area where you live, don't hesitate to participate in it, yes
Step 5. Volunteer
Try to actively participate to fight for equal income for women, support women's reproductive rights, and encourage the issuance of legislative regulations that support gender equality. One way to do this is by volunteering at a reproductive clinic such as Planned Parenthood in your area, or volunteering at organizations that organize special events to celebrate International Women's Day.
Be committed to volunteering over the long term. Today, quite a number of organizations need volunteers to launch and improve their long-term performance
Part 3 of 4: Raising Public Awareness
Step 1. Put on the red colored object
On International Women's Day, women around the world who celebrate it wear red to raise public awareness. Therefore, try to do something similar by wearing a red t-shirt, skirt, pants, or other object to attract people's attention and make them realize your commitment to the day.
If you don't have red clothes, try using accessories or nail polish in that color
Step 2. Find a way to share your story
In fact, many women have stories to share, especially negative ones regarding the discriminatory behavior they receive. Chances are, you too have had experiences fighting injustice and would like to share them with a wider audience. Therefore, try to find a medium that is willing to host the story, such as through a solo comedy show, or through a social media platform like Facebook.
Some websites, such as Sisterhood Agenda, encourage people to send their stories by email. Try to find similar sites that are willing to host your story
Step 3. Take advantage of social media to raise public awareness of the existence of International Women's Day
For example, use your Facebook and/or Twitter account to upload facts about women from various parts of the world whose work and movement are known to have contributed to society. Also, try searching and clicking hashtags related to International Women's Day to find information posted by other social media users.
Part 4 of 4: Celebrating Women as Individuals
Step 1. Give help to your closest female friends and relatives
For example, help your older sister look after her child at night or help your mother with homework. If there is a woman in your life who needs help, put more time and energy into making her work easier on International Women's Day.
Promise that you will continue to help and support their achievements throughout the year. For example, promise your boyfriend or partner that you will be more supportive of their career after this
Step 2. Convey the meaning of women around you, such as bosses at work, closest relatives, spouses, or friends, to you
Explain why their existence is important to you, and convey what their entire accomplishment means to you. If he is your boss, explain why you see him as a great boss and why you feel comfortable working with him.
Use social media to celebrate the existence of these figures in your life
Step 3. Thank the women in your life
Don't just state the reasons behind the importance of their existence in your life. Instead, thank them for what they have done so far, and because they have been by your side all this time. For example, thank your mother for bringing you up all this time, or thank your girlfriend for always being there for you through difficult times.
