In search of the meaning behind International Women’s Day

Yesterday we celebrated International Women’s Day. I remember growing up celebrating this day - the 8th of March – as a day to honour working women. Every year I remember women (including my mother) receiving “Happy 8th of March!” cards and a small bouquet of lily-of-the-valley, the beautiful little bell-shaped white flowers with a scent so sweet, deep and strong that it would likely attract bees from across the forest.

Today, with the resurgence of the appreciation of women, the 8th of March – better known as International Women’s Day – is celebrated across the world in as many different ways as there are different women.

But what is it all about?

As on many previous occasions, Wikipedia came to my rescue in trying to answer this question. Here is what it says on the subject:

International Women's Day (IWD), also called International Working Women's Day, is celebrated on March 8 every year. In different regions the focus of the celebrations ranges from general celebration of respect, appreciation and love towards women to a celebration for women's economic, political, and social achievements. Started as a Socialist political event, the holiday blended in the culture of many countries, primarily in Europe, including Russia. In some regions, the day lost its political flavor, and became simply an occasion for men to express their love for women in a way somewhat similar to a mixture of Mother's Day and Valentine's Day. In other regions, however, the political and human rights theme designated by the United Nations runs strong, and political and social awareness of the struggles of women worldwide are brought out and examined in a hopeful manner. This is a day which some people celebrate by wearing purple ribbons.

What does IWD mean for me?

Like any anniversary, International Woman’s Day is an annual reminder of the value that women bring to society. The reason we need this day, I believe, is that women tend to take for granted everything they do for others. Women tend not to tout their achievements, quietly going about their tasks, making sure the household is ticking along, the children are being raised as model future citizens, fitting in stellar career achievements and personal challenges, without mentioning to anyone else how much and how well they have done. So for me, IWD is the day in which all these achievements and unstated or understated contributions are publicly and loudly recognised.

Is there an International Men’s Day?

Yes, there is! It is the 19th of November and, according to Wikipedia:

The objectives of celebrating an International Men's Day include focusing on men's and boys' health, improving gender relations, promoting gender equality, and highlighting positive male role models. It is an occasion to highlight discrimination against men and boys and to celebrate their achievements and contributions, in particular for their contributions to community, family, marriage, and child care. The broader and ultimate aim of the event is to promote basic humanitarian values.

And, as we do on any other day, we will happily celebrate this day as well!

Tell me: What does IWD mean to you? How will you celebrate? Share your ideas with me here, and through social media via #IWD4me @RinaGoldenLynch. You can also email me on Rina@VoiceAtTheTable.com