Today, we celebrate International Women’s Day, a day dedicated to recognizing ALL women for what they individually and collectively contribute to society, whether that contribution comes from a woman’s personal, professional, artistic, or social platform.
A little history…
International Women’s Day has been commemorated for over a century. It was the growing labor movements of the late 1800s and early 1900s across Europe and North America that provided the catalyst for this important day. But it wasn’t until 1975 when the United Nations designated March 8 as International Women’s Day.
While International Women’s Day is now celebrated worldwide, we first celebrated National Women’s Day in the United States on February 28, 1909. It was designated as the day to honor the 1908 garment workers’ strike in New York when women protested against their working conditions and demanded better economic recognition.
In many ways and in many places, women are still in the struggle for equal economic recognition, gender equality, an acknowledgment of the innate value of women’s human rights, and fair access to political and social resources. There is an ongoing outcry for gender parity.
Given that so many women are still in the throes of that equality and recognition struggle, it is even more of a privilege for us to bear witness to such a vibrant community of intelligent, strong-willed, hardworking, and independent-thinking women that are Hera Hub members. We salute each and every one of you and want you know how proud and honored we are to help you flourish!
“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.” – Gloria Steinem, feminist, journalist and social and political activist.