SALUTE TO INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2014
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger
Today was a holiday which celebrates women and all that they stand for. March 8th is the proclaimed holiday known as International Women’s Day. It is a day to look upon women’s achievements, their characteristics that give them the knack to hold families together and how much advancement women have made in the business world.
International Women’s Day dates back as far as the early 20th Century. The United Nations has recognized it since 1975 and each year it receives even wider appeal and praise.
Every year, the observance is given a new and prevalent theme to fit the issues at hand that confront women. In 2012, the theme was “Empower Rural Women, End Poverty and Hunger.” In 2013, “A Promise is a Promise: Time For Action to End Violence Against Women” was the message to move forward. This year, the theme is simple yet extremely powerful, “Inspiring Change and Equality for Women is Progress For All.”
We all seem to have the belief in ourselves that we can improve lives, and with promise and persistence, everything can become a reality. Large corporations such as BP, Kronos, Enterprise and World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, recognize the hard work that women do, the strong image that they portray on a daily basis and these industry leaders realize how important that women are to our society, to the economy and to the world of business.
As the years progress into the future, initiatives are created that recognize the exceptional work of women. In 2011, the Global IWD Women’s Art Initiative was established to celebrate the creativity of women across the globe. Impressive artwork begins to tell a story which will spark a diverse set of emotions in all of us.
Kicking off this significant day in 2014, Hillary Clinton addressed an audience at the UN last night stressing that gender equality is “the great unfinished business of the 21st century.” She was quoted as saying, “no country in the world, including my own, has achieved full participation.” Women stand behind her belief and thousands all over the globe marched today for the cause from London, England to Sydney, Australia.
Women such as Susan B. Anthony, Bette Davis, Gloria Steinham, and the young yet mature leader, Malala Yousafzai, are all symbols of great empowerment and how far we have come. Even Janis Joplin made a statement during her lifetime that rings true in our ears today, “Don’t compromise yourself. You are all you’ve got.”
Even popular retailers such as GAP and Body Shop, are building much needed awareness with campaigns that get to the heart of the matter. This past week, the International Women of Courage Awards were given out and the First Lady was on hand and delivered a very motivating speech encouraging all of us to do our part. The Women of Courage Award annually recognizes women who have demonstrated exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for peace, justice, human rights, gender equality and women’s empowerment, often at great personal risk.
It is an honored day all about being proud to be a woman. Be ready to help others, become a role model and check into becoming a mentor and to promote change. This is a day for women and also about women and we should keep that belief in our hearts forever to embark on that very important journey.
PHOTO CREDITS: International Women’s Day Facebook page, Getty Images
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