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 inclusiveness are natural. A world where there is no place for prejudice, stereotypes and discrimination. A place where gender equality prevails and does not sow division.Text: Mical Joseph
Every year the official organization puts a theme to this day. This year's theme is Break The Bias. International Women's Day is already an official holiday in many countries, but not yet in the Netherlands. With the statement #BreakTheBias, the organization calls for speaking out against prejudice while embracing the beautiful differences. "Whether intentional or unconscious, biases make it difficult for women to get ahead. Knowing that bias exists is not enough; it takes action to level the playing field. Will you participate? Will you actively denounce gender bias, discrimination and stereotyping every time you see it?" the IWD organization said.
In addition to International Women's Day being celebrated worldwide, the Dutch organization is also getting involved. The theme of International Women's Day on home soil this year is: V/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, arts and work, this holiday makes a difference.
Unfortunately, it has not yet fared tremendously well in combating domestic violence, equal pay, pregnancy discrimination and the number of women in politics, among others. Women holding 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 even within local politics, there is still much to be done in terms of emancipation. Which is a shame, because municipalities are close to the residents and can play a crucial role.
Along with other women, socialite Clara Zetkin decided to organize an International Women's Conference in Stuttgart in 1907. There they presented a motion that obligated parties to fight for both men's and women's suffrage. This motion was passed. A few years later, in 1910, the second women's conference was held in Copenhagen. It turned out that very little came of women's suffrage. Zetkin decided at this conference that there should be an annual international women's day so that women's voices would not be lost. In New York, women revolted against excessive working hours and poor wages in the textile industry. This prompted the very first celebration of International Women's Day in 1911; the day was first celebrated in the Netherlands in 1912. In the 1960s, International Women's Day came more to the fore again. This was due to the second feminist wave. The United Nations officially recognized International Women's Day in 1978 and the first global theme was launched in 1996.
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