Author Ellen Common is a 4th year French and Hispanic Studies student at the University of Liverpool.
Sunday 8 March is International Women’s Day (IWD). The day is the focal point for the women’s rights movement, which strives to eliminate discrimination against women and help them to participate and gain recognition in the world of work and global development.
The history of IWD
The earliest documentation of Women’s Day was a ‘National Women’s Day’ in 1909, organised by the Socialist Party of America in New York. This inspired women from other countries, notably the German Socialist Luise Zietz, to suggest the establishment of International Women’s Day. This was propelled forward by an International Socialist Women’s Conference in 2010, held in Denmark, and on 19 March 1911 the first International Women’s day was marked by over a million people. In 1914, International Women’s Day was held on 8 March in Germany and has been held on that day ever since.
The movement is not country or organisation specific, and puts forth the idea that problems that women face concern people of all genders. It is also important to recognise that women face discrimination and inequality in all scopes of life: the business world, politics, the arts and in sports, to name a few.
This year the theme of the campaign is #EachforEqual, drawn from the idea of collective individualism. This means that:
“Individually, we are all responsible for our own thoughts and actions – all day every day. We can actively choose to challenge stereotypes, fight bias, broaden perceptions, improve situations and celebrate women’s achievements. Collectively, each one of us can help create a gender equal world”. See: https://www.internationalwomensday.com/Theme
The last few years have seen huge changes in the problems that women face. Many are becoming less afraid to speak up, and movements like #MeToo are helping to encourage others to speak out, to spread the message, and to initiate the change that needs to happen.
Conversations and awareness about the gender pay gap, gender-based violence and workplace discrimination are taking place, amongst other issues.
Still a way to go?
However, we are still a long way from where we should be and although International Women’s Day takes place on 8 March, the campaign runs all year long. So, while it is great to participate this weekend, it is important to continue keep the campaign and the issues surrounding it in mind.
I recently completed an assignment for my course (French and Hispanic Studies). It was a translation and commentary of an extract from the book Sexe et Mensonges (Sex and Lies) by the Franco-Moroccan author Leïla Slimani. The book consists of conversations between Slimani, and various Moroccan women who recount their experiences of being a woman in Morocco. I was shocked by how normalised rape, child marriage and gender-based violence are there, and the little that society does to combat this.
Nevertheless, in recent years, Morocco has made huge improvements in terms of the law with regards to women’s rights. However, it is not only a question of legislation, but of fundamental changes in the mentality of people, and the opening of a dialogue between different groups and between generations.
I feel blessed to be surrounded by empowered women every day, but it is things like this book, and my research around it, that make me realise the huge differences that exist in different countries, and how much further we have to go to achieve equality.
IWD events
Below are my top picks for IWD events taking place across Liverpool:
- Radioactive: Preview and Satellite Q&A, Fact, Wood Street, Sunday 8 March @ 1.45pm. This is an exclusive preview of Radioactive, a biopic of the incredible ground-breaking scientist, Marie Curie, followed by a Q&A with actress Rosamund Pike (who plays Marie Curie) and Marjane Satrapi, director of the film.
- Coding & Art Sessions at Apple, South John’s Street, Liverpool ONE, Sunday 8 March 12.30pm-3pm. Apple is running some free sessions in which they will teach guests the basics of coding, as well as the opportunity to take part in an interactive AR art experience created by interactive media artist Sarah Rothberg.
See more events listed here.
You can join in the movement on social media with the hashtag #EachForEqual