International Women's Day: Why we should celebrate it!
International Women's Day – it's that time of year again! International Women's Day is celebrated worldwide on March 8. People around the world show solidarity with women and girls and draw attention to issues such as equality and self-determination. Read here to find out why this day is still an important and topical issue here in Germany.
Since when has International Women's Day existed?
International Women's Day is also known as World Women's Day or, in some cases, Women's Struggle Day. Every year on March 8, this day is celebrated to promote gender equality and women's self-determination. International Women's Day was first established shortly before World War I in 1911. Several small socialist organizations fought for women to have the same basic rights as men. These included the right to vote, which was granted to women in Germany in 1918. In Switzerland, women were not allowed to vote until 1971.
Women's Day as an official holiday
Since 2019, March 8 has been an official holiday in Berlin. This means that everyone living in Berlin has the day off work on International Women's Day and shops remain closed. So there is plenty of time to celebrate the day, get angry about injustices without being disturbed, or simply relax. Incidentally, International Women's Day is not yet a public holiday in the other 15 federal states.
5 reasons why International Women's Day is still important today
Why does this topic keep coming up these days? We live in a time and a country where equality has long been the norm, right? Wrong! In fact, a lot has happened and changed in recent years. And that's a good thing! But anyone who believes that men and women in Germany now have equal rights is mistaken. Here are 5 reasons why we should (especially) still celebrate International Women's Day today.
1. Unequal division of labor
The traditional division of roles is still largely ingrained in our minds when we think of heteronormative family concepts or relationships. Women largely take care of the household and children, while men are responsible for earning money. Especially since the pandemic, tasks have been increasingly clearly divided, and women are increasingly suffering from multiple burdens as they have to juggle childcare, household chores, and work even more than usual. These unpaid services, which are still largely performed by women, are called care work and are one of the reasons why women are more at risk of poverty in old age, are less likely to return to work, and generally earn less than men.
2. Women earn less money for the same work
Not only does there still seem to be a large gap in the division of labor, but differences are also clearly visible when it comes to money. And this is not because women are unwilling to work or lack education. Women earn on average around 19% less money than men for the same work and the same (or better) qualifications as their male colleagues. This phenomenon is also known as the gender pay gap.
3. Violence against women
Violence against women is still a major problem in this country. Evaluations by the Federal Criminal Police Office have shown that around 81% (!) of women have experienced violence in a relationship. According to the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, one in three women has been a victim of physical or sexual violence at least once in her life.
4. Women in leadership positions
Even in the boardroom, diversity is often lacking. Studies from 2019 showed that only just under 29% of leadership positions are held by women, despite the introduction of quotas for women.
5. Fundamental rights for women
No one should be discriminated against or disadvantaged because of their gender. And yet, in many parts of the world, girls and women are still not allowed to enjoy the same fundamental rights as boys and men. Not only do women in many countries not have the same opportunities and rights in terms of education, they are also often forced into marriage at a young age against their will. The right to vote also had to be fought hard for in many countries. For example, women in France have been allowed to vote since 1944, and in Switzerland only since 1971.
How can I contribute to International Women's Day?
International Women's Day stands for many things, such as equality, structural change, and greater equal opportunities, and sends a clear message. But how can you get involved and show your solidarity?
1. Every day is International Women's Day
First of all, it is important to remember that every day should be International Women's Day. Inequalities affect women on a daily basis and do not stop when they receive a bouquet of flowers once a year.
2. Draw attention to injustices
Injustices are often noticeable. This could be an inappropriate comment at work or a bad joke made in the locker room. It is important to draw attention to such things and not shy away from addressing uncomfortable topics.
3. Social engagement
There are many ways to show solidarity on International Women's Day. For example, you can start by supporting more women-led companies and/or businesses. There are also several non-profit organizations that campaign for the education of girls, for example.
4. Question yourself
Above all, you can make a good start by critically questioning yourself and your environment and consciously breaking old patterns of behavior. Talk openly about experiences of discrimination and listen to those affected!
Conclusion: Everyone can contribute to making our society a better place for all of us!
International Women's Day is still important because our society is still a male-dominated place where women do not have the same opportunities as men. So there is still a lot to be done. Everyone can make an individual contribution to making our society a little more equal.
