As a woman-owned business, we really want to stress the importance of International Women’s Day! Here is a brief synopsis of how it started:
March 8th is known as International Women’s Day. It was started in 1909 to promote gender equality in the workplace. The World Economic Forum predicts the gender gap in the workplace will not close until 2186. That is wayyyyy too long!
Women do more unpaid work than men do, and in the economy, women on average make less. In fact, right now, women make about 79 cents for every dollar a man makes.
The U.N. states that this day is “when women are recognized for their achievements without regard to divisions, whether national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political. It is an occasion for looking back on past struggles and accomplishments, and more importantly, for looking ahead to the untapped potential and opportunities that await future generations of women.”
So, what are some ways you can support Gender Equality, you ask? Here’s a few!
- Recognize women’s diverse roles in the workplace – including unpaid work
- Make sure that our lawmakers know that women’s rights are important – call and/or email your member of Congress and let them know how important women’s rights are
- Are you a male? You can absolutely make a difference! Refuse to accept that women are paid less in the workplace. Visibly support your female co-workers
- Stand up for girls everywhere that they have the right to education
Sources:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/international-womens-day-2017-iwd-when-is-it-what-happens-everything-to-know-explained-a7617266.html
