An ode to women #BreakTheBias

It is International Women's Day. The day on which the successes of women are celebrated worldwide. An ode to women.

It's International Women's Day. The day that celebrates the successes of women worldwide. An ode to women with this year's theme: #BreakTheBias. Imagine a society where diversity, equality and inclusivity are self-evident. A world where there is no place for prejudice, stereotypes and discrimination. A place where gender equality prevails and does not divide.Text: Mical Joseph

Making a difference starts with yourself

Every year the official organization sets a theme for this day. This year it is Break The Bias. International Women's Day is already an official holiday in many countries, but this does not yet apply to the Netherlands. With the statement #BreakTheBias, the organization calls on you to speak out against prejudices and at the same time embrace the beautiful differences. “Whether intentional or unconscious, bias makes it difficult for women to get ahead. Knowing that bias exists is not enough, action is needed to level the playing field. Are you participating? Will you actively challenge gender bias, discrimination and stereotyping every time you see it?

Women on a mission

In addition to International Women's Day being celebrated worldwide, the Dutch organization is also committed. The theme of International Women's Day on home soil this year is: F/M solidarity – the power for change. The national platform for International Women's Day focuses on women, emancipation and women's rights. With missions such as women and health, technology, politics, sports, art and work, this holiday makes a difference.

Why is International Women's Day necessary?

Unfortunately, things are not yet going well in combating domestic violence, equal pay, pregnancy discrimination and the number of women in politics, among other things. Women who hold the same position as a man are paid less and the absence of a female prime minister also leads to a limited number of women in politics. But there is still a lot of work to be done on emancipation within local politics. Which is a shame, because municipalities are close to the residents and can play a crucial role.

And then there was…

Together with other women, socialite Clara Zetkin decided to organize an International Women's Conference in Stuttgart in 1907. They submitted a motion that obliged parties to fight for both men's and women's suffrage. This motion was adopted. A few years later, in 1910, the second women's conference was held in Copenhagen. It turned out that little came of women's suffrage. During this conference, Zetkin decided that there should be an annual International Women's Day so that women's voices would not be lost. In New York, women rebelled against long working hours and poor wages in the textile industry. This was the reason for the very first celebration of International Women's Day in 1911, and in 1912 the day was celebrated for the first time in the Netherlands. In the 60s, International Women's Day became more prominent again. This was due to the second wave of feminism. The United Nations officially recognized International Women's Day in 1978 and the first global theme was launched in 1996.