Happy #InternationalWomensDay to all our bold and brave young women! You can be whatever you want to be!
What is International Women’s Day?
International Women’s Day is an annual event that celebrates all the amazing things women have achieved. It is a way to show how women have and continue to influence the world. As well as celebrating brilliant women, it’s also used as a day to highlight issues and raise awareness about issues that women still face.
Historically, women have been denied the right to vote, to work, and lots of other things, too. Because of brilliant women who fought against these things, women have a lot more say in the world around us now. But there are still many issues that women continue to face and fight for today.
How did International Women’s Day begin?
Over 100 years ago in 1910, International Women’s Day was first celebrated, with the aim to have equality for men and women across the world, which we are still fighting for today.
The group of women who fought for the tradition were called the Women’s Social and Political Union, otherwise known as the Suffragettes. They were a strong and active group of women who wore the colours purple, green and white which are now associated with International Women’s Day. The Suffragettes campaigned for a woman’s right to vote, believing that women should have a say in important issues such as our government.
Another group who campaigned for women’s rights and the ability for women to vote were called the National Union of Women’s Suffrage, otherwise known as the Suffragists.
When is International Women’s Day?
International Women’s Day occurs globally on the 8th March every year in honour of the amazing women who campaigned for women’s rights and continue to do so.
Why is International Women’s Day Celebrated?
It’s extremely important to celebrate International Women’s Day to honour and appreciate the different achievements that women have accomplished around the world, including successes in society, economy, politics and culture.
As well as this, it’s also a time when we can remember those who still go unheard and continue to be prevented from reaching their full potential as basic rights like health and education are still not recognised for some women around the world.
Which women can I celebrate on International Women’s Day?
There are lots of brilliant women who you can look at with your class to celebrate the day, from writers, to activists, to politicians.
Jane Austen – Jane Austen was a writer born in 1775. She was a successful author during a time when people didn’t believe women should work. Her work is still read and celebrated today.
Marie Curie – Marie Curie did groundbreaking research on radioactivity that led to the treatment of many illnesses. She was the first person ever to be awarded two Nobel Prizes.
Malala Yousufzai – Malala Yousufzai was a little girl when she was hurt because some people thought that girls should not go to school. Malala believed that girls had a right to education and spoke out about her beliefs. She became the youngest person ever to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.