It's Our Day

I wrote this post for Handmade in Europe, and I would like to share it with you

International Women's Day - March 8th

You may or may not be aware March 8th is International Women’s Day, it is an annual event, which is held throughout the world to inspire women and celebrates ordinary women as makers of history. 

 It is rooted in the century old struggle of women to participate in society on an equal footing with men. In Greece Lysitrata initiated a sexual strike against men in order to end war. During the French Revolution Parisian women called for liberty, equality, fraternity and marched to demand women’s suffrage. In England, women were demanding the right to vote, their greatest triumph is reflected in attitudes to feminism in women’s struggle for emancipation and equality and has been rewritten as a happy bra-burning contest.

The idea of a day for women began at the beginning of this century in America and Europe
The first international Women’s Day took place on March 19th 1911, this included rallies and organised meetings in countries such as Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. March 19th was chosen as it observes the day that the Prussian king promised to introduce votes for women in 1848. The promise gave hope for equality but it was a promise that he failed to keep.

International Women’s Day was moved to March 8th in 1913. Today International Women's Day is a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of women's rights.

Although much remains to be done to achieve full equality, the voices of women are being heard. March 8th provides an opportunity to reflect on progress made, and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of women’s rights.

The International Women’s Day logo is green, purple and white and features the symbol of Venus, which is also the symbol of being female.