The first National Women’s Day was made by a declaration of the Socialist Party of America and was celebrated in New York on February 28th 1909. A year later an international conference of Working Women was held in Copenhagen and one of it’s attendees Clara Zetkin (Leader of the ‘Women’s Office’ for the Social
Democratic Party in Germany) presented the idea of an international women’s day in which every country celebrated on the same day to push demand for more equal rights for women. The conference consisted of over 100 women from various countries, representing unions, socialist parties, and working women’s clubs. Zetkin’s proposal met with unanimous approval and, as a result International Women’s Day was born.

International Women’s Day is recognized worldwide on March 8th as a day to celebrate and support all women. It is important that on this day all people consider the challenges women have faced then and now, and aim to help to support and fight for the ultimate equality of women onward. It is also empirical that we represent all women on this day, not just cis-gender, white, able-bodied
women but women of color, women with with a disability, transgender women, asexual women, gender non-conforming people, and so on. Far too often in popular culture and in the media women who do not amount to the typical stereotyped image of women are often left erased and voiceless. This day
provides the opportunity for their voices to be heard and for their rights and lives to be recognized as valued and real.

If we want to work towards a better future for women, we must respect the lives of all those who identify, although you do not have to be a woman or identify as
one to celebrate this day. This entails showing support and solidarity – being an ally in any way you can. Simply acknowledge the great women in the past who made this day possible, the present women in your life who continue to fight for equality, and the future women who are striving to make the world a better place for all. Be with the women on this day and all days.

Below are quotes from some badass women who have
made International Women’s Day what it is!

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.

Gloria Steinem

The most important thing one woman can do for
another is to illuminate and expand her sense of actual
possibilities.

Adrienne Rich

Well-behaved women rarely make history.

Laurel Thatcher Ulright

For me, my message- It’s a tagline- Take women into
consideration! That’s all it is.

Shyamala Gomez

Women must have freedom to make their own
decisions related to our lives, our bodies. Our lives
are valuable and to be respected by others.

Morena Herrera

What motivates me is when others support us. To
know we are not alone in our desire to see women
empowered and live to their full potential.

Sylvia Nalubega

I’ve never been interested in being invisible and
erased.

Laverne Cox

I’m not trying to represent all Muslim women. I’m trying
to give voice to the silent majority. Unfortunately, I’m a
bit loony.

Maysoon Zayid

I raise up my voice—not so I can shout, but so that
those without a voice can be heard…we cannot succeed
when half of us are held back.

Malala Yousafzai

By Stephanie Schnupp, Intern at the Thomas Merton
Center.