Global CentenaryYear.
International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. Suffragettes campaigned for women's right to vote and there was great unrest and debate amongst women. Oppression and inequality was making women become more vocal and active in campaigning for change. Then in 1908, 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter hours, better pay and voting rights. (Brilliant!....I would have been there too!). So all this started with the Socialist Party of America and a day they called ‘National Woman’s Day’. This was observed across America in 1909 and in Denmark in 1910, the Idea was put forward for ‘International Women’s Day’ which was finally formed the following year in 1911.
So it’s 100 years old……(1911- 2011). Brilliant!. What an achievement. Record books state that it was ”a time of great expansion and turbulence in the industrialised world that saw booming population growth and the rise of radical ideologies”. So International Women's Day (IWD) honours the work of the Suffragettes, celebrates women's success over the years, and reminds us what inequalities still need to be redressed. From 1911 until today it has gone from strength to strength with many countries attending the conferences and is now a global date and an official National Holiday in many countries including China, Russia and Vietnam. (I might add that in some Countries it’s a national holiday for women only……..WOW – power to the girls!).
Since 1980’s there has been a significant change of attitudes with more women taking leading roles in Society….like female Astronauts and Prime Ministers. Unfortunately, women are still not paid equally to that of their male counterparts especially in areas of Education and Health.
(We all saw the film ‘Made in Dagenham’ where female Ford workers walked out in protest against sexual discrimination for equal pay. The walkout was instrumental in the ‘Equal Pay Act 1970).
Reading about IWD over the past few years, it seems to have moved from being a reminder about the negatives, to a celebration of the positives, and what women have achieved over the years. Loads of events are held throughout the world to inspire women ……we can all make a difference to the world. A list of a100 women has been drawn up, by a leading newspaper, of the most voted inspirational women in the world and I look forward to reading who these women are.
I have been very fortunate to have had inspirational women around me over the years - my lovely Mum and my Aunts who were great role models for me and family.
(I have today been to a funeral of one of those Aunties who lived through the adversity of 2 world wars. She had 2 lovely children and had been widowed for over 25 years. She worked hard until she was 70 and was always optimistic with a cheerful nature. She’s one of the ‘old sort’ – ‘….. they don’t make ‘em like her anymore!”. She was ‘one of a kind’. Bless Mary Ellen Bird (known as Auntie May to me – who was in her 98th year!). She has now been toasted and saluted. God Bless her!
Lastly, I have 2 inspirational women in my life.....my daughters, who through my life have taught me loads……….one of whose birthday is today…..HAPPY BIRTHDAY Andrea- keep being inspirational! (I forgot to mention another person who inspires me every time I see her........my Granddaughter....Ruby May.
Anonymous quote: We would all be happier if we gave others a piece of our hearts instead of a piece of our minds!! Love to all you girls!!
8/03/11
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