When we were little they told us that the woman had been created using a man’s rib and they were based on the ancient scriptures that said so. We have to confess that we never saw such scriptures although we know that for centuries, women have been treated as such.
The first celebration of International Women’s Day was held on March 19, 1911 in Europe, specifically in the countries of Germany, Austria, Denmark and Switzerland, and its commemoration has been extended since then to other countries and continents.
In its beginning, at the end of the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th century, the labor movement maintained a traditional patriarchal position in relation to the equality of women and their demands. It was in the middle of the 19th century when the women’s demands took off by force: the struggle for women’s suffrage, the demand for equality, the denunciation of social, family and labor oppression.
Although International Women’s Day was celebrated on March 8 around the world, it was not in the United States. It was not until 1994 that Beata Poźniak, an immigrant actress from Poland, requested of the United States Congress (H.J. Res. 316), the recognition of International Women’s Day in the United States on March 8.
Throughout the 20th century, International Women’s Day has acquired a global dimension for the women of the world. The international movement in defense of women’s rights is growing and is reinforced by the United Nations Organization. The UN has held four world conferences on women and has contributed to the commemoration of International Women’s Day as a point of convergence of women’s rights, the coordinated activities in favor of the women rights and their participation in political and economic life.
There is no doubt that in this past year the women’s movement has advanced a lot. Together, they have managed, not only to be heard, but also to be believed in cases of sexual harassment, violence and discrimination against them that for so long they have been subjected to. They have demolished altars and internationally known figures from the artistic world and the world of news with their denunciations that at first seemed incredible to all of us.
We want to join the millions who feel great admiration for the courage they have presented to the world.
