Here’s to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them. – Unknown
Happy International Women’s Day! Each year on March 8, countries around the world recognize this important holiday as a celebration of women’s achievements, reflection of women’s fight for equality, and recognition of the progress still to be made on women’s issues. I celebrate this holiday each year with my daughter and the important women in my life. Here are some notes for your own celebration.
What is International Women’s Day?
According to the United Nations, International Women’s Day has roots in the early 1900s, when women began organizing to fight for women’s rights, including suffrage. The holiday was informal for most of the twentieth century, until 1975 when the UN formally proclaimed March 8 as International Women’s Day. Now, the UN recognizes the Day as “a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities.”
One of the great aspects of International Women’s Day is that there is no “right” way to celebrate. As the Day’s official website recognizes, “no one government, NGO, charity, corporation, academic institution, women’s network or media hub is solely responsible for International Women’s Day.” The Day is inclusive of all beliefs, faiths, and nationalities. It’s something you can make your own.
How do you celebrate?
Get creative and celebrate in your own way! Here are a few ideas:
- Grab a group of girlfriends and enjoy lunch and discussion at a local woman-owned restaurant. Tanya’s Soup Kitchen and The Kitchen are both great lunch spots owned by Wichita women.
- Dedicate a day to volunteering with or donating to area non-profit organizations that support women facing difficult circumstances. The Wichita Family Crisis Center, Women’s Initiative Network, Dress for Success, and C.L.A.S.S. are a handful of the many worthy organization in Wichita that focus on supporting women.
- Focus story time with your children on books that celebrate women’s accomplishments. A few years ago PBS released this fabulous list of children’s books that recognize notable women.
Why do I celebrate with my daughter?
Many holidays change with parenthood. For me, this includes International Women’s Day, which is now an opportunity to show by example how important it is to recognize the role of women in our history and the work left to do to achieve equality for women across the world. I hope that sharing these values with my daughter will instill them in her.
As a “girl mom,” my priority is to raise my daughter to grow into a confident woman. A fearless woman who appreciates history and invests in the future of her community. A woman who uses her voice to advocate for herself and others. What better way to teach those lessons than to go big for a day that’s all about celebrating womanhood?
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