March 8th is International Women’s Day. Most likely you’ve heard about this day, but have you thought about why it exists and what it means to women around the world?
When did International Women’s Day begin?
The first International Women’s Day (or IWD) was held in 1911, and more than a million people turned out to rallies in Europe, against a backdrop of terrible working conditions and exploitation.
Why is International Women's Day still celebrated?
We still celebrate because although we have come so far, we still have so far to go. In recent years, IWD has also become a time for women to celebrate their strengths and achievements. This day gives women a platform to celebrate not just themselves, but also to lift up the other women in their lives.
We recently chatted with two of our female collaborating artists about what this day means to them...
Rachael Sarra
What does International Women's Day mean to you?
Why do you think it's important for women to support each other?
It is important as women to challenge each other, to be tenacious in our spirit and to push each other to achieve great things.
What message would you like to send out to other women?
Kimberly Entwicht
What does International Women's Day mean to you?
It means the banding together of all women around the world. No matter what shape, race, size, background, faith you are...we are all represented. I love the hype around the day - everyone on social media coming together. It really is a beautiful thing.
Why do you think it's important for women to support each other?
It's so very important to build each other up and not tear each other down. Society has somewhat taught us to compete with each other, but what we should be and are doing is supporting our sisters in every which way possible.
What message would you like to send out to other women?
Keep doing what you're doing. Keep your head held high in every situation and know that you're loved no matter what.
You can check out Kimberly's Life Apparel range here.
Shelley Conway
What does International Women's Day mean to you?
For me, IWD is a reminder to the world, to the younger generation and to myself that although we've made huge progress, we still have a long way to go in workplace, domestic and global cultures.
Why do you think it's important for women to support each other?
I think it's important for both men and women to support each other. When women support women, however, there is a special type of magic that comes with that and I think that it awakens a part of us that craves sisterhood and togetherness. We can achieve so much when we work to each others' strengths to build a community and nurture relationships.
What message would you like to send out to other women?
That you are not alone in the world, you always have someone that you can call, even if they're strangers they won't be for long. That standing up for others isn't the same as standing up for yourself - you matter and you have something inside of you that is so uniquely magic that once you name it and claim it, the universe will do everything it can to bring you safely to the life that is rightly yours.
You can check out Shelley's Life Apparel range here.
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