On Tuesday, March 8, we observe International Women’s Day. As a Women Owned company, Living Juice takes pride in its roots and celebrates all of the women who brighten our days, sharpen our minds, and continue to inspire us in every capacity.
International Women’s Day has been observed, though not always widely, since the beginning of the 20th century. In 1908, women began to take to the streets to contest disparities in working hours, pay, and voting rights. 15,000 women marched through New York City streets to defend their rights to equality.
1909 marked the first year that International Women’s day was observed. Called National Women’s Day, it was celebrated on February 28th in accordance with the Socialist Party of America.
The holiday went global in 1911, when a decision at the International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen decreed that every year in every country a celebration would commence on the same day to press for their demands. The 100 women in attendance from 17 countries representing assorted socialist parties, working women’s clubs, and labor unions agreed to the decision unanimously. Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland all celebrated the holiday on the 19th of March. Just 6 days later on March 25th, the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire in New York City drew even more attention to the plight of women regarding labor conditions and beyond.
In 1975, the United Nations celebrated International Women’s Day for the first time. Two years later in December of 1977, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution officially proclaiming a United Nations Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace to be observed on any day seen fit by member states.
In 2001, the internet boom saw women’s issues come back to the forefront. The internaitonalwomensday.com domain was launched to bring life back into the holiday, making the achievements of women visible for the world to see. The website provides essential resources and guidance for championing gender equality. Each year, new campaign themes for the global IWD website are developed for a worldwide audience. Further, the website serves as a charity vehicle: in 2020 a six-figure sum was fundraised, with 100% of the donations going to charities like the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts and Catalyst Inc.
Attitudes are changing, but there is a long way to go in the fight for gender parity. Get involved, donate to fundraisers, and engage in conversation. At the very least, celebrate the women in your life whether they be CEOs, coworkers, friends, role-models, or mothers. None of us would be here without them!
Happy International Women’s Day!