Since the beginning of time, women have been tasked with a multitude of very taxing responsibilities—bearing and caring for children, fighting for equality, and obliterating unrealistic stereotypes. Even today, women are still working to empower their daughters and fellow female figures to urge change for a better future.
While International Women’s Day lands on March 8, the whole month is designated to embrace and celebrate the vast achievements of women. Each year, a theme is provided to outline the unique issue, and 2021 brings about the theme “Choose to Challenge” to inspire the world to both recognize and challenge inequality. The remarkable day was first celebrated in March of 1911 by over a million women spanning Austria, Denmark, Switzerland, and Germany, as a means to fight for their ability to work, vote, and gain equality. Over 100 years later, women are still working towards the bettering of society for their conditions.
Nowadays, you can list off the women who are in powerful positions, who are successful and acting as an example for future generations. Despite this, there is always work to be accomplished around the world in areas where this female status normality is an oddity. Even America can continue to improve the circumstances that women are born into by providing equal pay and more positions for women in the workforce.
As a woman myself, I’ve dealt with an abundance of unwanted and unnecessary statements regarding my unwillingness to abide by the stereotypical female lifestyle. I’ve always dreamed of working for my Ph.D. in psychology to become a professor and researcher one day. Before I receive any form of encouragement, I’ve instead been asked how I’d be able to juggle a family with my career. Prior to even earning my bachelor’s degree, I’m already being plagued with the maternal responsibilities I may hold ten years from now because of the stereotypical concerns of others. This is why we need to pave the way for the future as women, to rid of these detrimental belief systems.
Women should not have to orient their lifestyles, specifically their careers, to suit the expectations of existing stereotypes. Even without the issue of stereotypes, women are trained to protect themselves physically in this world. How many females that you know carry pepper spray, a taser, or some other form of protective tool? Too many. How many men can you list off that endure the same potential fear and hold the same items? Odds are, very little to none. There is always progress to be made.
Upon writing this article, I have come to the realization that there is a great deal of information about the advances of women since the beginning of International Women’s Day that is new to me. Women who are privy to this information should spread the word, to educate everyone and anyone. One great source for more knowledge on the importance of the day, the history, and donations can be found on internationalwomensday.com.
International Women’s Day should be a celebration worldwide. However, every other day of the year should serve as time to note the amazing women in your life and the struggles their status may have brought.
PHOTO COURTESY of Monmouth University