International Women's Day is a day to honor the social, political, economical, and cultural contributions of women to the world! On this day, various celebrations are held across the globe, from local places (like our very own Union County and the Charlotte area!) to the international scale! Ever year for International Women's Day and Women's History Month, the National Women's History Alliance selects a theme to be commemorated. This year's theme aims to break the equality barriers women face, with #BreakTheBias. The goals of #BreakTheBias are to advocate for world without discrimination and bias. #BreakTheBias stands for a gender equal world, where we celebrate diversity and strive to be an inclusive community.
What does #BreakTheBias mean to you? Learn more about how the world is breaking the bias this year and about the importance of International Women's Day and Women's History month down below!
The History of Women's History Month
In the United States, Women's History Month has been celebrated in the month of March since 1987. However, commemorations of Women's History predate this by over a hundred years. The women's rights movement is one of the most prominent parts of world history, from the women's suffrage movement to women's health protests to ultimately equity for all.
International Women's Day was first established in 1911, where Denmark, Austria, Germany, and Switzerland took part in activities honoring the day. Thousands joined together in rallies to advocate for women's rights to vote and work, be trained, hold public office, and bring an end to discrimination. In the following years, women's rights protests would expand not only geographically but also by the various issues being protested.
Advocating for women's rights meant advocating for every right women deserved. In 1975, for the first time ever, the United Nations recognized International Women's Day and in 1977 the General Assembly declared a United Nations Day for Women's Rights and International Peace to be observed on any day of a given year that a Member State would like.
In the years following the proclamation, a theme was designated for each year to celebrate Women's History. In 1996, the UN decided on the theme of "Celebrating the past, Planning for the Future." In 1997 it was "Women at the Peace table", in 1998 "Women with Human Rights", and in 1999 "World Free of Violence Against Women."
In recent years, numerous organizations and charities have been created and developed to support the women's rights movement and celebrate everything women have achieved throughout history. Protests and other forms of advocacy continue to be an integral part of achieving women's rights, and individuals of all gender identities have come together to support this cause. To learn more about the history behind International Women's Day, checkout this timeline by the International Women's Day organization here. This other website is also a great way to get some tidbits on Women's History Month 2022.
#BreakTheBias Everyday & Everywhere
The movement to #BreakTheBias starts with you. Everyday and everywhere, not just on International Women's Day or during Women's History Month, breaking equity barriers is key to creating a better world for everyone. Each and everyone of us has the power to #BreaktheBias. Every small act counts! As the phrase goes, "Think globally, act locally."
This year's theme of #BreakTheBias is represented through the symbol of holding your arms together to make an X-shape. Strike your #BreakTheBias pose and help continue the fight for equality and pave the way for a bias-free world today.
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