What is International Women’s Day and why do we celebrate it?

Over 100 years ago in 1910, International Women’s Day was first celebrated to honor the movement of women’s rights. Its goal, achieving equality for men and women across the world, is something for which we continue to fight today. The women who led the fight were known as the Suffragettes. They were a strong and active group of women who campaigned for equal rights.

We celebrate International Women’s Day occurs annually on March 8th in honor of the incredible women who have stood up for the cause over the years and for those who continue to do so today.

It is so important to honor this day and to celebrate the achievements that women have and continue to accomplish around the world, including the right to vote, education, equal pay, and equal treatment to name but a few. In some countries, women continue to be overlooked and must fight for basic rights such as access to medical help, education, the right to a voice and the right to decide for oneself.  Our fight is far from over.

The day is not country or organization specific. It collectively belongs to everyone. Gloria Steinem, world-renowned feminist and activist once said “The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist, nor to any one organization, but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights.”  Everyone has a responsibility to make a difference and effect change for women.

This year’s theme for IWD is “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow”: #BreaktheBias. The campaign asks you to cross your arms in solidarity to call out gender bias, discrimination, and stereotyping.  Women’s equality can only be achieved if we support it together.

We are fortunate to be working in a company that has always supported gender equality and this is evident in the way that the women at Media Experts have and continue to play an important role in the growth and success of this company.

It is for this reason that this week, the DEI Committee wants to celebrate and increase the visibility of women’s achievements.  We will kick off with our lunch celebration tomorrow as well as posting features, book and movie recommendations and more on or by women who have impacted meaningful change.