March 8th 2014 plays host to International Women’s Day. A celebration of the campaign for independence and equality for women in society, International Women’s Day has equal status to Mother’s Day, one of the most widely recognised celebrations in the world.
1908 saw great political unrest and the tipping point was reached. Women’s oppression and inequality motivated 15,000 women to march through New York City, campaigning for parity, shorter hours, fairer pay and the right to vote.
In 1910, Clara Zetkin, leader of the ‘Women’s Office’ in Germany put the idea of one day a year, every year in every country being dedicated to the cause and demands of women. A conference of over 100 women from unions, socialist parties, working clubs, from 17 different countries all voted in favour of this idea unanimously.
Every year since 1910, International Women’s Day has grown from strength to strength with the importance and the power of this day recognised by more and more people each year, with bigger celebrations and support resulting in incredible success and changes.
International Women’s Day is celebrated all over the world and considered an official holiday in many countries, for example Afghanistan, China, Russia and Uganda. On this day, similar to Mother’s Day, small gifts, cards and flowers are given to women.
The International Women’s Day website tells of how there has been a change in the way people think, while many of a younger generation would consider many of the battles to be won, it must be remembered the longevity of patriarchy is still an issue. Nonetheless, International Women’s Day is for celebrating the successes and raising awareness for the challenges previously faced. Women are welcomed into university, can have successful careers and have even been to space!
Unfortunately, women are still not paid equal to their male counterparts; women don’t have the same presence as men in politics or in business and, globally, woman are subject to more extreme discrimination. Spreading the word and raising awareness of this valiant celebration can help end these problems.
International Women’s Day is a great opportunity to show respect and admiration to any women who have had an impact on your life, be it your mother, grandmother, sister or celebrity, take the opportunity to join this cause and make a difference.
Take a look at our flower deliveries if you’d like to make someone happy, noticed and remembered this International Women’s Day, March 8th 2014.
