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By Emmy McKirgan

As a woman, this topic brings so many thoughts to mind. It is hard to sort them all out -to narrow down which amazing women to talk about, as there are so many! So many women have been integral in the fight against social issues, rights and freedoms, inequality, and gender gap issue. They have fought the good fight and continue to do so. This is an ongoing battle; the war has not been won. There has been much progress, but there is still much to do worldwide.

Narrowing down to pick a few women to talk about is always a challenge. There have been so many women that have shaped the current world we live in. As a woman who lives in the Western World, I’m sure my day-to-day life looks much different than a woman in India, Asia, Pakistan, or even Europe.

I look at my world through a particular lens that my own experiences and beliefs have shaped, that will be different from your own. However, as females, we have the same desires to be understood, heard, treated fairly, and given the same rights and freedoms as any male.

Why do we celebrate today?

It began in New York City on March 8, 1857, when female textile workers protested unfair working conditions and unequal rights for women. It was one of the first organized strikes by working women, during which they called for a shorter workday and decent wages. Also, on March 8, 1908, women workers in the needle trades marched through New York City’s Lower East Side. They were protesting child labor and sweatshop working conditions and demanded women’s suffrage. In 1910, March 8 became observed as International Women’s Day. Officially recognized by the United Nations in 1977, International Women’s Day first emerged from labor movements at the turn of the twentieth century in North America and across Europe.

There is much more to frame the women’s movement. Attached is a link if you want to learn more. Link

Fast Forward to 2022

This year has brought many challenges for women. The pandemic is still affecting all aspects of women’s lives worldwide. The lack of employment and self-sustaining
capabilities, the physical factors of covid that are long-lasting, along with the myriad of other problems that continue to plague us.

Women have it harder now than many other times globally, specifically in mental health. The isolation and constant social media comparison have caused many women to suffer needlessly. We have been forced to keep to ourselves – separated between vaxxed and unvaxxed. On top of it, today’s youth have a different view of the world because of these difficulties.

The women in my life have dealt with various setbacks, tragedies, and mental health issues. We need to speak up for them and ourselves. As someone who suffers from anxiety, depression, and PTSD, I want to talk openly about my concerns. I didn’t want to feel alone and shamed for my struggles. On this day, reach out to a woman you know and tell her how much she means to you! How do you value her and her role in your life?

She is my hero right now! Someone who continues to move forward and carry on, even in the face of fear, anxiety, the unknown. I know it is hard for her and her girls right now. I know it is unfair and painful to see the one you love suffer. My nieces continue to spend time with their dad. Make the days special – a walk in the forest or a movie night- whatever it may be to show him how much they love him. Dealing with each setback, infection and hard news they could crumple and fall apart. Yet these women continue to take one step at a time and try to make the best of a difficult situation. They have an inner strength reminiscent of women who stepped out believing in rights and freedoms, fairness to all, and kindness while being assertive to achieving and solving problems.