Facts about Women’s Day
We can say that Women’s Day is one of the most popular festivals celebrated in the entire world, regardless of culture, nationality or religion.
These days, the day is related to strikes, protests and fighting for women’s rights. However, you should be familiar with some basic information about Women’s Day.
Firstly, how did the idea come up? It is celebrated in remembrance of the International Ladies’ Garment Workers’ Union in 1908, where 15,000 workers walked through the city to fight for social and political rights. The first Women’s Day was celebrated one year after the protest on 28th of February.
Nawal El Saadawi: “They said, “You are a savage and dangerous woman. I am speaking the truth. And the truth is savage and dangerous”
But why do we celebrate this day nowadays on 8th of March? The date was chosen because it was a Sunday. During the day off many women were able to take part in strikes and protests. Since these days, Women’s day is celebrated on this date every year.
Another interesting fact is that, this day was mainly celebrated in communist countries and socialist movements.
Rebecca West: “I myself have never able to find out precisely what a feminist is. I only know that people call me a feminist whenever I express sentiments that differentiate me from a doormat”
The United Nations decided to celebrate Woman’s Day in 1977. As claimed by them it is “a day when women are recognised for their achievements without regard to divisions, whether national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political. It is an occasion for looking back on past struggles and accomplishments, and more importantly, for looking ahead to the untapped potential and opportunities that await future generations of women.” Undoubtedly, it has a very powerful meaning.
Germaine Greer: “All societies on the verge of death are masculine. A society can survive with only one man; no society will survive a shortage of women”
As it was mentioned before, Women’s Day is celebrated regardless of the culture or country, even in conservative countries such as China, Nepal, Afghanistan and Zambia.
Margaret Atwood: “Does feminist mean large unpleasant person who’ll shout at you or someone who believes women are human beings. To me it’s the latter, so I sign up”
The day of strikes..
After a huge protest in October in Poland against the restriction of the abortion law called “Black Monday”, today Polish women are once again fighting for their rights. They gathered in the Law and Justice headquarters to show their objection against discrimination.
In Ireland at 12.30 on the Bridge in Dublin there will be strikes organized by Strike 4 Repeal. The strike is against the referendum on reproductive rights, such as the constitutional ban of abortion.
