In a conversation with a female acquaintance yesterday, I mentioned that today will be International Women’s Day. The last thing I expected was a question of “What’s that?” from her. After a serious facepalm that actually hurt, I explained it. Since we women have come so far, yet have so far to go, I’ll grab my invisible lectern and give a mini essay here for others who may have a need to know.

International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity that belongs to all groups collectively everywhere. It is not country, group or organization specific. From the early 1900’s it was originally celebrated later in the month of March. International Women’s Day as we know it was officially recognized on March 8 in 1911.

The color purple was chosen, because it symbolizes dignity and justice, which are the two important goals which IWD aims to achieve for all women in all parts of the world.

Some from a younger generation feel that “all the battles have been won for women” while many know only too well the patriarchy is complex and still very much ingrained.

With more women in the boardroom, greater equality in legislative rights, and an increased critical mass of women’s visibility as impressive role models in every aspect of life, one could think that women have gained true equality. Yes, much progress has been made to protect and promote women’s rights in recent times. Still, nowhere in the world can women claim to have all the same rights and opportunities as men, according to the UN. The unfortunate fact is that women are still not paid equally to that of their male counterparts, women still are not present in equal numbers in business or politics, and globally women’s education, health and the violence against them is worse than that of men. Now would be a great time to learn some more about the problem and what is needed to reverse it.

The theme for 2020 is “I am Generation Equality: Realizing Women’s Rights” for a reason.

As I said when I began this slice: we women have come so far, yet have so far to go. How can you help?

Learn about more women whose lives have made an impact and helped moved us forward.

Support women – there will be a lot of the events that will raise awareness to issues involving inequality.

A global web of rich and diverse local activity connects women from all around the world ranging from political rallies, business conferences, government activities and networking events through to local women’s craft markets, theatrical performances, fashion parades and more. There are Women’s Day Events in every city.

Celebrate the wonderful, powerful, inspirational women in your for being just that: wonderful, powerful and inspirational.

And if you happen to be one of those wonderful, powerful, and inspirational women, don’t for get to celebrate yourself.

/class dismissed.

Day 8 of Slice of Life Writing Challenge– let’s see what my fellow slicers are up to: