International Women's Day

International Women’s Day is not just a celebration of how far we have come in the fight for gender equality, but a testimony to the impact each and every woman has had on the world. With every feminist wave, we have expanded the inclusivity of womanhood and have grown stronger with the support and efforts of our sisters. Women’s empowerment is critical, not only for its long-fought agency as a movement but for the legacy it trickles into culture as we know it. International Women’s Day in the year of 2024 has the potential to propel us forward once more as we shoulder the next generation of young women as a stronger nexus of activists.

Women’s HERstory

Women have been fighting against the patriarchy since what seems like the dawn of time, but no collaborative efforts resonated worldwide until the establishment of International Women’s Day. Tracing back to the early 20th century American political movements, National Women’s Day began as a fight for suffrage in the United States and, when women caught wind overseas, they began holding their own celebrations. A consolidated effort of the United Nations put International Women’s Day on our calendars, marking March 8th as the day to showcase your support for gender equality.

Throughout the years, the holiday has sparked celebration as well as radical political change. In the west, it is a chance to come together to appreciate the women in our lives and reflect on the progress of women’s rights. Worldwide, there is an ongoing fight for women’s autonomy. The ongoing dialogue is driven largely by women, but welcomes the support of all as we advocate for gender equality and inclusivity.

The Year for More: 2024

The domino effect of the feminist waves encourages a more inclusive grouping of what it means to be a woman. In the past, womanhood was treated like an exclusive club, one that only thin, white, cishet women had a ticket to. Over the years, as we have come to understand that feminine experience is not limited to the beauty standard, race, sex, or sexuality, womanhood has transcended a singular definition. Now, womanhood is more than skin deep.

2024 is a year for so much more. The buzzword is embrace. The scope of womanhood has subverted the stereotype and evolved into what we recognize as the feminine experience. As exploration of gender is centering itself in the conversation of gender equality, it is essential to keep an open mind when hearing the stories of all women. By embracing intersectionality, we can uncover more ways to make the world more accepting and tolerant for everyone.

Gender, as we know it, is changing and society is going to adapt along with it. As the next generation of activists come into their own, it is our job to encourage them to explore and test the limits of gender roles in society. This year, take the time to listen to unique gender experiences and how femininity is being expressed in revolutionary ways.

Sisters For Social Change

Every woman is deserving of appreciation on International Women’s Day, but there are a few that stand out. Seeing powerful activists can welcome a combination of feelings, a pressure to measure up or serving as inspiration to use your own voice. Whatever the case, it’s important to remember what it all comes down: they are just like us.

Take Elyse Fox, an online advocate for mental health awareness, and how she uses her profiles and social platforms to create a community for women to feel seen and heard. Her creation of the Sad Girls Club, a nonprofit organization, works to destigmatize conversations about mental health–specifically for women and Black Americans. Fox has been vocal about her experience with depression and this made other women feel safe enough to open up about their own mental health. The mental health crisis is a snowballing issue, one that takes patience and vulnerability to conquer. Fox is a role model for women and young girls growing up in a digital age where interpersonal connections are necessary. She affirms that we aren’t alone. Our experiences don’t isolate, but rather unite us.

Bad Bitches in Business

Thank God for women in the workplace, otherwise we all know nothing would get done. International Women’s Day can be a time to acknowledge and spread awareness of the role of career women in the world today. Whether they are in an office, a construction site, a lab, or a kitchen, all women deserve the same respect and recognition as their male coworkers.

Women face a unique set of challenges in the professional world. Despite all efforts and HR seminars, sexism manages to slip through the cracks. Regardless if it is a passing microaggression or flat-out sexual harassment, industry is a hard thing to break into–there’s a joke in here about the glass ceiling.

You can show your support for women by making change within your own business practice or spreading resources through company social media. Start a conversation about equal treatment, the importance of safety, and helping them feel welcome. Going to work shouldn’t be a struggle, prioritize the well-being of women at work.

Doing International Women’s Day Right

Women have come a long way, but that doesn’t mean we are slowing down. The momentum of the movement is still working worldwide on behalf of all women. In the west, it is easy to rest on our laurels and assume everyone is on the same page. History is happening now, take advantage of opportunities for advocacy on behalf of all women.

You have the fight at your fingertips, through social media, local events, or even studying up on supportive mindsets you can play your part in progress. Women make up half of the population, how hard can it be to listen to their stories?

Follow Up on Feminism

Despite the black and white images in our history books, the fight for women’s rights was not too long ago. In fact, in many ways, new challenges are popping up every day. Channel your energy into supporting bodily autonomy–that is to say, speaking up for the right to choose for those with a uterus. Trans women, queer women, women of color, and those of a variety of intersectional identities continue to need our support on a daily basis. Curate a comforting space for them, be the person to start the conversation and be the one to listen. Women are more powerful together.