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What’s the history of this holiday, and what does it stand for? Here’s everything you need to know.
What is International Women’s Day?
International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8 every year. According to the day’sofficial website, the holiday is “a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.”
The organizers of the day encourage women across the world to host events and celebrate women in a way that encourages “unity, celebration, reflection, advocacy and action.”
RELATED VIDEO:SeePrince HarryandMeghan MarkleStep Out Together for International Women’s Day
When was International Women’s Day first celebrated?
International Women’s Day has been being celebrated for over a century. According to the website, the first unofficial celebration of the day in the United States was in 1908, when 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding voting rights and fair wages.
In 1909, the Socialist Party of America declared the first National Woman’s Day on Feb. 28. Women continued to celebrate National Women’s Day on the last Sunday of February each year until 1913.
The first global celebration of International Women’s Day was in 1911. In 1913 — once the holiday had become more widespread across the world — the date was changed to March 8.
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What is the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day?
The theme of the 2019 International Women’s Day is#BalanceforBetter.
According to the holiday’s website, #BalanceforBetter advocates for gender balance in all areas of the world: from government offices to board rooms to media coverage. To celebrate online, organizers are encouraging people to use the hashtag #BalanceforBetter in any International Women’s Day posts.
“From grassroots activism to worldwide action, we are entering an exciting period of history where the world expects balance,” the website reads. “We notice its absence and celebrate its presence.”
Where are International Women’s Day celebrations taking place?
Each year, different International Women’s Day celebrations take place across the world in different forms — from conferences and panels, to rallies and protests.
Notable events this year include a march and rally inLos Angeles, a celebration inNew York Citywhere each woman will receive a flower with an inspirational message, and an International Women’s Day tea party for small business owners inAtlanta.
To see what events are happening in your city, you can checkhere.
What will celebs be doing to celebrate International Women’s Day?
In years past, celebrities likeKim KardashianandReese Witherspoonhave paid tributeto the women in their liveson social mediaand elsewhere. (And of course,celebrity women celebrate their other A-list peers year-round.)
On Friday morning,Emma Watsonpostedan Instagram tributefor International Women’s day, writing, “Whether you’re marching, dancing, rising, resisting, protesting, striking, uniting or celebrating, wishing you all a wonderful #internationalwomensday.”
And keep an eye out for these new playlists: Apple Music recruited visionary women in music includingCardi B,Camila Cabello,Pink,Brandi CarlileandHalseyto curateempowering playliststhat highlight the bodies of work of their fellow female artists.
source: people.com
