HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

 

March 8 as a special day for women began as a labour movement.

The seeds were planted in 1908, when 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter working hours, better pay and the right to vote. It was the Socialist Party of America who declared the first National Woman's Day, in 1909.

Then in 1910, the idea to make the day international was tabled during a conference. It came from a woman called Clara Zetkin. There were 100 women there, from 17 countries, and they agreed on her suggestion unanimously.

It was first celebrated in 1911, in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. The centenary was celebrated in 2011, so this year we're technically celebrating the 110th International Women's Day.

Things were made official in 1975 when the United Nations started celebrating the day. The first theme adopted by the UN (in 1996) was "Celebrating the past, Planning for the Future".

The UN officially recognised Women's Day in 1977 -- the day was meant to create awareness about women's issues.

But today, women are still battling Victorian-era mentality. It's 2021, and women are still fighting for the most basic primitive of rights.

We own this day to the likes of

1.SOJOURNER TRUTH

She fearlessly fought for gender and racial equality

Her famous she "Ain't I a woman?"

2.SUSAN B. ANTHONY

She was a powerful Social activist

She was arrested for attempting to vote

3.IDA B. WELLS

She was a founding member of the NAACP

4.FRIDA KAHLO

She used her art to express taboo subjects surrounding women

She was fearless with her art

5.SIMONE DE BEAUVOIR

Paved the way for modern feminism

She had no hesitation in going against the grain

6.YURI KOCHIYAMA

Fought a life long fight against racism

She was nominated for Noble peace prize

7.DOLORES HUERTA

Is a civil right activist who fights for the rights of many especially farmers and agricultural workers

She was granted the Eleanor Roosevelt Award for human right

8.RUTH BADER GINSBERG

Has used her supreme court seat to change the course of history

She has been incredibly influential throughout her career

9.GLORIA STEINEM

Is a prominent feminist movement leader

She is a journalist and a social activist

10.AUDRE LORDE

Was a revolutionary poet and feminist

Her work inspired the modern feminism movement

11. MARSHA P. JOHNSON

Was a prominent transgender activist

She became a prominent trans activist

12.SILVIA RIVERA

Was a revolutionary figure in New York City

She spoke for those marginalized in the society

13.SALLY RIDE

Was the first American woman in 

She became the first American woman to launch into space on June 18 1983 in the space shuttle challenger

14.ROXANE GAY

Is a prominent voice in modern feminism

She is also a New York times best selling author

15.CHIMAMADA NGOZI ADICHIE

She inspired millions with her TED Talk

She is also an award winning author

16.MALALA YOUSAFZAI

She continues to make progress for female eduation and advocacy

She is the youngest Noble prize lauteate in history

And many more of their lives 

Happy international women's day