The fight for gender equality has long started in the 1900s, when almost thousands of women decided to peacefully march in New York City to demand equality in the working industry. The apparent oppression that women have to power through is unbelievably cruel. As they are fueled day by day with the biased treatment between men and women, a march that demanded better pay, shorter working hours and rights to vote was set.
In the past, these incredible ladies and many others out there had been barred from speaking up their mind and thus not being able to have any opinions. This movement still resiliently fights for fair gender treatment, expressing solidarity towards other minorities until today. In 1975, International Women’s Day was first acknowledged and celebrated by the United Nations. It also marks the annual and global date for the future Women’s Day celebration on March 8th. With the IWD that has just passed a few days ago, here are ideas in celebrating this jolly day every year:
Support Women-Owned Business
It is heartbreaking to admit that women in this age still have to endure unfair judgements and treatments given by society. This widely happens to women who want to stand on their feet and be independent on their own. Businesses are historically dominated by men due to this biased system. Now that women want to start their business, they have to start from scratch even with their reputation as a woman owner and to tackle the market competition. In conjunction with International Women’s Day, you should discover more women-owned businesses nearby and online. They always provide amazing promotions and themes that suit the celebration. Showing them support by buying from them will help improve women’s economic growth and their reputation as business owners. There will always be a business advertisement whenever you scroll down your Instagram page or slide your stories. Go support and buy for them!
Show Solidarity and Support
Besides the United Nations who have been actively advocating women’s empowerment, human rights and equality, International Women’s Day also has its own website. Their page is frequently updated with articles that highlight women. They have writings on women’s struggles and they primarily focus on supporting the supporters of women in general and fundraising to help those in need. Annual IWD’s theme and campaign are also coined by the webpage. For this year, the campaign is to use the hashtag #ChooseToChallenge while posting pictures of yourselves to show solidarity and to call out bias and inequality acts. Everyone around the world including people working in the gutter Malaysia industry can join in.
Self-Educate By Reading
Other than this, reading more about women and their histories to celebrate Women’s Day is a great idea too. Women are as capable as men are. In the past, women were often dismissed when applying for jobs due to the over-generalization that women are weak, they cannot handle stress and they are better at home. However, as the generation changes, we can find more women venturing in the sectors that were formerly filled by only men. For instance, the industries that are famously known as male-dominated jobs are the mechanical and electrical engineering industry and also at the roof guttering Malaysia. You can check more at the roof gutter drain. There are many female inspirations that manage to flip the patriarchy that is worth your morning read on Women’s Day. Just recently, Kamala Harris is appointed the vice-president of the United States and is the first female vice in history. Other iconic female activists that you can read up on are Anne Frank, Greta Thunberg, Michelle Obama, Frieda Kahlo and many more!
Binge-Watch On Women Empowerment Movies
In the light of Women’s Day, which is the day specifically to celebrate all females around the world, your day would not be complete without watching some entertainments that feature women as the main plot. A lot of people, when watching women empowering women films, they are instantly moved and educated while watching movies. Hidden Figures (2016) is a good choice to watch as it tells you the story of the three female African-American mathematicians who influences a great deal of an astronaut’s journey. This film shows you a racial and gender discrimination they face while working in a male-dominated industry. Another empowering film focused on women is Brave (2012), which is one of the Disney princesses that has such a distinctive appearance and strong personality. This film shows Merida, the girl who has a set of ancient customs she has to follow which unfortunately restrict herself as a great archer. The whole story highlights her complicated yet brave journey in freeing herself yet still taking responsibility sensibly. Little Women (2019), a very highly watched film that enhances women empowerment should be in everyone’s recommendation list. It is suitable for you to enjoy during Women’s Day and even Christmas. For people who prefer watching films rather than reading, you should try these films!
These are only some of the ideas on what to do during International Women’s Day to make it more meaningful for you and other women around the globe. However, these are definitely not constricted to only Women’s Day. You can take on a couple of ideas to do it in your free time. Celebrating women is an everyday celebration.
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