International Women’s Day, observed this Saturday, has its roots in the early 20th century labour movements that championed women’s rights and improved working conditions.
Originating in North America and spreading to Europe, the day gained momentum during the 1910s and 1920s as women began advocating for suffrage and equality, and was later internationally recognised by the United Nations in 1975.
Today, International Women’s Day celebrates the remarkable achievements of women in education, politics, business and beyond, while also highlighting ongoing challenges such as gender-based violence and unequal pay.
On Saturday, women in Northumberland and around the world will be marking the day in different ways.
In most celebrations you’ll hear talk of how far women have come, but today, there’s concern about how far is left to go…and in some cases, like we’re seeing stateside, a slip backwards.
Melissa Maloney is co-founder of the organization All Women Lead. She tells us women are nervous right now.
Maloney says one positive advancement she’s seen, especially since COVID-19, is how women have shifted from competing with each other, to taking a more collaborative, supportive approach.
Whether the support comes from family, a mentor in the workplace or from female friends, women are marking International Women’s Day with an appreciation for girl power.
Maloney says she’s seen one important advancement in recent years.
Maloney says it’s hard to watch women’s advancements in the United States begin to slide backwards and there’s worry on this side of the border, that the same is possible here.
Maloney says a big part of the group…is being real.
International Women’s Day serves as both a celebration of progress made and a call to action for further advancements in gender equality. Communities worldwide come together to honour the resilience of women and renew their commitment to creating a fair and inclusive society for everyone.
(Written by Joseph Goden with files from Loreena Dickson)
