March Focus on Women Worldwide, What is the Historical Significance? Kajal Dhaneshwari
Everyday, every woman, is entitled to some celebration. However, the month of March holds a special place in my heart. In the United States, it is declared as Women’s History Month by Presidential proclamation. A month that also celebrates women every March 8th, being International Women’s Day.
In the United States, Women’s History Month began as a designated week worth of celebration for women. However, in 1981, after the National Women’s History Project petitioned Congress, the President proclaimed the month of March as Women’s History Month. The month aims to celebrate the contributions of women in history and contemporary society. Moreover, it seeks to centre the conversation around recognizing the achievements of women in all facets of life.
Now, you must be wondering what International Women’s Day (IWD) is? It is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. It is a day that symbolizes the call to action for many subjects that women worldwide continue to protest — for example, gender parity, reproductive rights, sexual violence, and more.
IWD is a day that significantly tries to raise awareness about women’s equality. A considerable part of the celebration worldwide includes fundraising for female-focused charities.
Every year the IWD committee chooses a theme for the campaign leading up to March 8th. This year the IWD theme is ‘Choose To Challenge’. It reminds the people of the world that a “challenged world is an alert world.” In other words, change is the product of challenges.
I believe education is the key to being the change, and it’s not a fight that women worldwide should be fighting alone. It is everyone’s responsibility to come forward and do what is required to bring about the necessary change for women, with women. To show support on IWD, wear purple. Purple, green and white are the colors associated with IWD, these colors became a part of IWD in 1908 when the Women’s Social and Political Union took place in the UK. Purple symbolizes justice and dignity, whereas green signifies hope, and white represents purity. Many issues concerning women’s safety caught the limelight throughout the year 2020 and continue now. Sexual assault and harassment are two of many. As a society, what can we do to make our environment a safe place for our women? I will take the initiative to ask the critical question that we must think about this month and every day. How are you choosing to contribute to a fight that women around you are fighting?
Email:kajal.dhaneshwari@yahoo.com
Sources:
https://www.internationalwomensday.com
https://womenshistorymonth.gov/about/
