Women's Day 2024 is fast approaching, and with it an opportunity to look at the challenges and successes of being a woman today. In this article, we will introduce you to the history of Women's Day , the traditions associated with this holiday in Poland, and the diversity of celebrations around the world, so that you can better understand the modern meaning of International Women's Day . You will also learn about interesting initiatives that give this day a special character. We will show you why it is worth celebrating this holiday.
The rich history of Women's Day
In seeking to understand why Women's Day , especially on March 8 , has such a significant place in history, it is important to look at its roots. As early as 1857 in New York, women working in the textile industry decided to protest against unfair working conditions and unequal rights, paving the way for future efforts towards gender equality.
- In 1910, German activist Clara Zetkin proposed an annual celebration of Women's Day at the International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen. His initiative was approved by over 100 women from 17 countries.
- The first official celebrations of Women's Day took place on March 19, 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland, gathering over a million people at rallies demanding women's rights.
- A key point in history was the role of women in the Russian Revolution in 1917, when the women's strike in Petrograd gained momentum, demanding, among other things, an end to World War I and improved living conditions. Their actions contributed to the overthrow of tsarism.
It is important to be aware of the impact this day has had over the years. The United Nations began officially celebrating International Women's Day in 1975 , and two years later, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming Women's Day as the "Day of Women's Rights and International Peace."
Women's Day , which originated in the socialist and labor movements, has evolved to adopt a broader cultural celebration of femininity in some parts of the world:
- This day is an official holiday in over 25 countries, including Afghanistan, Russia and Vietnam, which emphasizes its universal nature.
- Since 2014, Women's Day has been celebrated in over 100 countries.
- International Women's Day also aroused numerous controversies - for example, in Iran it was met with violence, and in the West it was criticized for commercialization and trivialization.
Women's Day in Poland
In Poland, the roots of celebrating Women's Day date back to the interwar period. Traditionally, this day was associated with the archetype of the "Polish Mother", celebrating the role of women in raising children, running households and being patriotic.
It was in Poland, thanks to the efforts of Polish feminists, that women were among the first in Europe to gain the right to vote.
During the Polish People's Republic, Women's Day was an official state holiday, when men wished women, giving them small gifts and expressions of appreciation.
Although it is no longer an official state holiday, Women's Day is still celebrated in Poland. Currently, red carnations, which were the official flower of Women's Day during the Polish People's Republic, have been replaced by tulips and roses due to their socialist and communist associations. The current celebration is an opportunity for special promotions, sales and discounts aimed at women.
Women's Day on March 8 can serve as a platform for further discussions on women's rights and be a catalyst for change. This is the perfect time to reflect on the contemporary significance of International Women's Day and consider what each of us can do to support equality and recognize women's achievements.
Celebration of Women's Day around the world
The purple, green and white colors used during the celebration of International Women's Day are symbols of justice, hope and purity that represent the values behind this unique holiday. Each year, the UN chooses a Women's Day theme to draw attention to specific issues and challenges faced by women, emphasizing that Women's Day is not only an opportunity to celebrate, but also to work towards gender equality.
In different parts of the world, Women's Day is celebrated in a unique way, emphasizing local customs and traditions that aim to honor and appreciate women:
- In Italy, as a sign of respect and love, men give women branches of mimosa, which is solemnly celebrated as a symbol of friendship and solidarity among women. These flowers are an expression of appreciation for women's strength and independence, and Women's Day is the perfect time to express thanks to the important women in our lives.
- In China, recognizing women's enormous contributions to society, some companies offer women a half-day off on March 8. It is an opportunity for women to relax and celebrate their identity outside of work and home responsibilities.
- In Russia, International Women's Day is an expected and official day off from work. Russians use this time to visit family, share meals and give gifts, considering Women's Day as an opportunity to express respect and love for women in all spheres of life.
- In the United States, Women's Day is observed as part of Women's History Month, which aims to promote women's achievements and their role in society. This month is a time to reflect on the progress that has been achieved in the fight for equal rights, and is also an opportunity to educate and inspire future generations.
- Interestingly, in Bulgaria, Women's Day is treated not only as a women's holiday, but also as a tribute to mothers, providing an opportunity to recognize and thank them for their invaluable contribution to family life and raising children.
The contemporary meaning of Women's Day
In the face of modern times, Women's Day , which falls on March 8, is gaining importance as a global celebration dedicated to women's achievements and a call to accelerate action for gender equality.
International Women's Day highlights the importance of issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, as well as violence and abuse against women. It is an opportunity to educate the public and connect people from around the world in the pursuit of greater representation of women in politics and leadership positions.
Despite the progress made since 2019, many women still face barriers to accessing the same employment opportunities as men. The fact that less than 25% of parliamentarians are women and one in three have experienced violence shows how much continued action towards equality is needed.
The diversity of Women's Day 2024 themes, such as #InspireInclusion, highlights the need to understand the differences in women's experiences depending on a variety of factors and ensure equal opportunities for all.
Women's Day in Poland and around the world is celebrated in many ways, reflecting cultural differences, but also connecting them on issues that are important globally:
- In the United States, March is celebrated as Women's History Month, with numerous marches, conferences, and business events taking place on March 8. In Australia, Women's Day is a time for panel discussions, breakfasts and events with leading women in their fields calling for greater representation, equality and diversity.
- In countries such as Chile and Argentina , Women's Day is celebrated with marches, with participants often wearing green handkerchiefs, as a symbol of support for women's sexual and reproductive rights.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, women around the world have experienced increased rates of job cuts and greater job instability. The outlook for global gender equality at the current rate of change is as follows:
- It is expected to take 135.6 years to achieve equality between men and women worldwide.
- Equality gaps are visible in many areas: 181 million girls and young women are not participating in education, employment or training, and half of all refugee girls enrolled in secondary school before the pandemic will not return to school.
- 72 countries do not allow women to open a bank account without the consent of a guardian, and only 65% of women have bank accounts compared to 72% of men.
Women's Day 2024 and other upcoming observances are an opportunity not only to celebrate, but also to educate about women's rights and gender equality, as well as to create connections between people and call for further fight for even greater representation of women in public life and in leadership positions. .
Interesting initiatives related to Women's Day
On March 8, in your organization you can get involved in initiatives that will increase efforts for gender equality, using resources that are available free of charge:
- #InspireInclusion Challenge : Take a photo and participate in a social media photo challenge showing how you and your colleagues are celebrating Women's Day.
- Online meetings: Host panel discussions or virtual coffee mornings where you can celebrate women's achievements and discuss ways to advance equality in the workplace.
- Thank you to women: Express your gratitude to your employees by creating thank-you videos or personal expressions of appreciation.
Additionally, you can support efforts to promote gender equality outside the workplace by engaging in a variety of activities:
- Support women-owned businesses : Look for opportunities to use services and products created by women.
- Education and Mentoring: Start mentoring programs to support women in their professional and personal development.
- Charitable activities: Support organizations that advocate for women, such as Women for Women International or Dress for Success, by donating or organizing fundraisers.
Women's Day 2024 is a great opportunity to celebrate and inspire further actions aimed at equal treatment of women in every area of life. Make sure that your actions are visible and that the celebration of this important holiday also has a long-term impact on social reality.
The constant fight for the future of women
Women's Day is a unique opportunity to appreciate the achievements of women and reflect on the challenges they face both in Poland and around the world. Recalling the traditions and diversity of celebrations around the world, we emphasized how important it is to continue activities for equal rights and supporting gender equality. The impact that Women's Day has globally is a reminder that while much progress has been made, we still have a long way to go to completely eliminate discrimination and inequality.
Women's Day 2024 can serve as a reminder of the importance of collective action and individual commitment to building a world in which gender is not a barrier to access to education, work or participation in social life. We encourage reflection and action, both on a personal and social level, and we hope that the celebration of Women's Day will be even more conscious and fruitful in changes for the better. May this day continue our efforts for justice and equality for all women, today and in the future.