JUSTICE, HOPE AND PURITY IWD22

It was 2020, just weeks before the pandemic hit the globe, beautiful shades of purple, green and white filled the streets throughout the world, representing justice, hope and purity. From London to Pakistan, to Argentina, strong and powerful women marched peaceful protests.

Voices would be heard, vibrant of colours would be seen, women’s rights would be known. 

Still going strong

On Tuesday, International Women’s Day (IWD) returned with great strength for the 113th year running. IWD is celebrated annually on March 8th to commemorate the cultural, political, and socioeconomic achievements of women. It is also a focal point in the women’s rights movement, bringing attention to issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women. In some countries International Women’s Day is even marked by a bank holiday.

The earliest recorded Women’s Day was originally called “National Woman’s Day”. This was held on February 28, 1909 in New York City, organized by the Socialist Party of America.

Just two years later, on March 19, 1911, the first International Women’s Day was marked by over a million people in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. In Austria-Hungary alone, there were 300 demonstrations with women parading on the Ringstrasse in Vienna, carrying banners, signs and waving flags for women all over the world.  

With no real set date in place, it wasn’t until 1917 that March 8th was established as ‘International Women’s Day’ as it was on this day that female textile workers in St Petersburg began a demonstration that eventually engulfed the whole city, demanding “Bread and Peace” as a way to end World War I.

IWD22

This year, there is a theme to IWD, which is ‘Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow – breaking the bias’. The theme looks to highlight the contribution of women and girls around the world who are working towards a time and a place where women are free of stereotypes and discrimination; a world that is diverse, equitable and inclusive.

So how can marketing leaders and businesses help to bring about change? Some organisations have been looking to develop internal tools to help measure progress in diversity and inclusion (D&I). These tools track the representation of race, gender, ethnicity and identity and ensure its creative remains free from bias and stereotypes at work.

IWD campaigns throughout this month are calling for people to send in images of themselves with their arms crossed in front of their chest to represent the #BreakTheBias theme this year. The #IWD22 hashtag will also be used to start conversations online and bring a higher awareness. There are so many avenues you can go down, if you want to help or get involved.

March is when we march

March is the month where women all over the world literally ‘march’ for women. Peaceful protests will keep happening during IWD and throughout the month until things really change. We have come far, but not far enough. IWD may be a celebration to all women, but its also a political movement which reinforces the attitudes, in the workplace, on the streets, and in the home.

And don’t forget, March 15th marks ‘Equal Pay Day’ , which helps build awareness for all employers and employees and strongly symbolizes how far into the year women must work to earn what men earned in the previous year!

Equal Pay Day was originated by the National Committee on Pay Equity (NCPE) in 1996 as a public awareness event to illustrate the gap between men’s and women’s wages. (It was originally called “National Pay Inequity Awareness Day” and changed to ‘Equal Pay Day’ in 1998).

Equal Pay Day was originated by the National Committee on Pay Equity (NCPE) in 1996 as a public awareness event to illustrate the gap between men’s and women’s wages. (It was originally called “National Pay Inequity Awareness Day” and changed to ‘Equal Pay Day’ in 1998).

So, as the month of March continues, and beyond, support the women around you, bring awareness where you can and show the respect all of us deserve.

#marchforwomen #IWD22 #internationalwomensday #copestonecontent #copestonemarketing #breakthebias

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