In the United States, the month of March brings singular focus and additional awareness of the contributions women have made and continue to make to society as part of Women’s History Month. But women’s history is not only recognized in the U.S. The 8th of March is the day the world celebrates International Women’s Day. On this day, the global community calls to mind the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women and it serves as a call to action for gender equality.
It is equality that drives this year’s campaign theme of #EachforEqual.
Women’s History Month
The 1st International Women's Day
International Women’s Day (IWD) has been in place for more than a century. The first gathering occurred in 1911. According to the IWD website, nearly a million people supported the cause. Every year since, more and more people rally to the cause.
“No one government, NGO, charity, corporation, academic institution, women's network or media hub is solely responsible for International Women's Day. Many organizations declare an annual IWD theme that supports their specific agenda or cause, and some of these are adopted more widely with relevance than others. International Women's Day is a collective day of global celebration and a call for gender parity.”
Colors of the Day
As with most holidays of note, colors signify specific meanings related to what is celebrated or remembers. International Women’s Day is no different.
“Internationally, purple is a color for symbolizing women. Historically the combination of purple, green and white to symbolize women's equality originated from the Women’s Social and Political Union in the UK in 1908. Purple signifies justice and dignity. Green symbolizes hope. White represents purity but is no longer used due to 'purity' being a controversial concept.”
Additionally, the introduction of the color yellow representing a 'new dawn' is commonly used to signify a second wave of feminism. Thus, purple with green represents traditional feminism, purple with yellow represents progressive contemporary feminism.
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International Women’s Day Timeline
Celebrating HR Exchange Network Advisory Board Members
We, at the HR Exchange Network, are very proud to honor the women everywhere including those on our Advisory Board.