Everything you need to know about International Women’s Day in 60 sec

Last Updated on 2016-05-20 , 9:44 am

International Women’s Day happens today, on 8th March every single year. I wasn’t aware of such a day, honestly. The feminists must have been looking forward to this day. But well, feminist or not, it is a day worth celebrating. So thank your mother, your ah ma, your sister, your wife, your girlfriend, whoever who is a woman and is proud to be one. Here’s what you need to know about IWD.

It first started in 1911
That’s right, a long time ago. This year marks the 105th anniversary for the event (what have we gundus been missing out on?) However the first Woman’s Day was celebrated in February 1909 by Socialist Party of America.

It celebrates women’s rights
Gender equality woohoo! It came about when more women were asking for their rights to vote, to enter the workforce and to be seen as equal, not inferior to the men.

It marks the contributions of women to mankind
Enormous contributions have been made by women all over the world to fight for women’s rights. It also marks to remember the struggles of women in the past. I mean, we don’t even remember facing such prejudice in Singapore.

This year’s theme is “Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step it up for Gender Equality”
They have different themes each year. 2030 holds a sustainable agenda to improve the well-being of people around the world, and one such way is to raise gender equality. Let’s hope this isn’t going to be like Malaysia’s Wawasan 2020.

Not much progress has been made
Gender equality may have progressed, but it isn’t enough. There needs to be more women in parliament, more women earning higher incomes etc. There’s still a long way to go.

It raises awareness about the issues that women are still facing
Women are still faced with problems like sexual abuse and domestic violence. The IWD plays a part in reminding society that these issues still happen often despite rise in gender equality. In such homes, women are seen as inferior, as not worthy to the men and that they can be toyed around with.

IWD is a national holiday in certain countries
Well, definitely not Singapore, otherwise I wouldn’t be writing this article today. Countries like Russia, Vietnam, Bulgaria commemorates IWD by making it a national holiday. That means more time to celebrate and exchange gifts. When oh when will Singapore do the same? Or do feminists think it’s insulting to give us a national holiday?

There’s a carnival at Hong Lim Park today
Of course, Hong Lim Park. The only ground in Singapore where you are permitted to go crazy and create a mess. Check out this website for more information, if you want to head down.

Happy International Women’s Day everybody!

Top Image: Tomertu / Shutterstock.com