Ok, I previously heard of International Women’s Day celebrated today on March 8th. However, I really don’t know too much about it so, of course, this is a good time to see what is online.
International Women’s Day (IWD) has been around for over a hundred years. Basically, women want a gender equal world. A world where women are valued. What is different about this celebration is that all IWD activity is valid, (even to blog about it). International Women’s Day commemorates women’s long fight for equality and liberation.
I remember thinking back 35-plus years ago in regards to our one female radiation technologist. She complained that because she is a woman and goes to the grocery store, her milk or other purchases are not cheaper due to her female status. Although I don’t know for sure, but I think she believed the males working in this same position were paid more money.
Women’s Right to Vote and International Women’s Day
I, also, remember visiting the Lorton Reformatory Prison in Lorton, VA. They have a Lucy Burns Museum in part of the prison. Lucy Burns, along with 33 suffragettes, were arrested in June of 1917 for protesting for women’s voting rights. The group was picketing the White House. During their weeks of incarceration they were chained to bars, given rancid food to eat, and even force fed during their hunger strike.
It’s hard to think that today, women were treated so poorly for wanting to be able to vote like the males of the day.
Ways to Celebrate International Women’s Day
A great way to learn more about International Women’s Day is to:
- Watch a documentary on women’s rights.
- Read a book on gender equality.
- Think about the challenges women and girls still face throughout the world.
Ending Comments on Today’s Blog
So, women are not done yet. Internationally, there is still work to be done and, thus, International Women’s Day keeps the issue still front and center.
I am Woman!
NOTE: Today we are using a photograph that was previously taken at the Lorton Reformatory Prison reflecting the freedom of clouds in the window panes against the harsh brick exterior of the prison.
Resource Sites: Wikipedia and www.internationalwomen’sday.com