Women have achieved a lot in the past decade, and managed to make a change around the world. This Women’s day, we are to celebrate how we are slowly but steadily changing stereotypes, and moving forward to making this world better for each and all of us. From movements that helped amend laws, to activists fighting for climate change, and to women challenging the status quo in all fields. The incredible power of women lies in sticking together, supporting each other, and fighting for our voices to be heard.
Furthermore, Women’s day is not just a ”thank you note” to the women in our lives. In fact, it goes way beyond that. March 8th represents a day in which everyone’s eyes is on us. It’s an opportunity for us to break through cultures, borders, and chains against patriarchy. This Women’s day, let’s look back at everything we have achieved, and how far we’ve come.
We’ve Changed Laws
Does the name Christine Blasey Ford ring a bell? The psychology professor openly accused supreme court nominee Brit Kavanaugh of sexual assault. These allegations were denied by him, nevertheless, her coming forward caused a public uproar in American politics. Despite wining the nomination, Dr. Ford’s accusation were an eye-opener regarding how society treats women who come forward following sexual assaults.
Furthermore, the past decade witnessed a drastic change regarding women’s involvement in politics. The first woman to hold the position of Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi initiated the impeachment process against Donald Trump. In addition, several countries are now counting on women to lead, such as Finland, who have just appointed the youngest female PM in history, Sanna Marin at just 34. New Zealand’s PM Jacinda Ardern made headlines after changing gun control laws in the country, following the mosque mass shooting that rocked the world last year.
#MeToo Movement Saved Lives
Apart from being a turning point in cases of assaults and violence against women, it sparked an undeniably strong bond between all women everywhere. The movement that was initially started by over 300 of Hollywood’s finest actresses, came to raise awareness about sexual assaults against women. Actually, and according to the Abuse & Incest National Network – a US crisis hotline, calls for help to report rape and violence have increased by 23% after the campaign was launched.
As a consequence, 8m or Women’s Day has become an opportunity for women to demonstrate that ”their existence matter”. In fact, every year, the women’s march beats records of attendance, and millions of women gather in the streets to speak up. If anything, Women’s day is not a celebration, rather a reminder that we have came so far, and we will not stop until we have equal rights, we feel safe, we equal pay, and we are not sexualized in any aspect.
Women Activists Leading The Way
From queens, to prime ministers to presidents. Remember when we weren’t even allowed to vote? Or how some countries still require a ”man chaperone” for women to leave the house? Yes, we have come a long way since then, yet, there is still so much further to go. Meghan Markle, an inter-racial actress from Hollywood got to marry a prince, serve as a duchess, and convince him to give up royalty and move across the pond. Feminism in its core fights for equality, and against toxic masculinity in all its forms. Writers, actors, politicians, and workers are all in this together, leading the way towards upholding women’s position as an equal human being.
The first name that may come to your head is the teenager Greta Thumburg. Although she may be the most famous climate-change activist right now, there are many others who didn’t get media coverage regardless of their actions. However, women of all genders, races and cultural backgrounds made noise when sharing their concern for our planet.
Athletes Breaking Records
Sports, which has been strictly a man’s field for ages, is now evolving after several women’s achievements in this particular sphere. In fact, the last Women World Cup in 2018 witnessed an outstanding performance, especially from the USNWT. They were crowned champions twice in a row, which an achievement that the men’s soccer team is still far from reaching. Furthermore, the best female footballer of the year was Megan Rapinoe, an open gay captain that led her team to glory.
In addition, Serena Williams, who announced she was expecting a child, while going to win the Australian Open without dropping a single set. However, despite her astonishing grand slam winnings, in 2018 she suffered ”public sexism” after smashing her racket on the floor during a match, in a moment of frustration. You know what the media reported? that due to pregnancy, women become emotional and therefore, hysterical. Serena spoke about the double standards of our current society, and called for change through releasing a Nike Ad that celebrated women in sports worldwide.
Photos: Pixabay, Instagram.