International Women's Day: Between History and Reflection
What if a single day could capture both the roar of protest and the quiet giving of flowers? Every year on March 8th, International Women’s Day (IWD) is commemorated around the world — but its meaning is far from simple.
The origins of IWD lie in the labor movements of the early 20th century. The first National Woman’s Day was observed in the United States in 1909. Inspired by this, German activist Clara Zetkin proposed an International Women’s Day at a conference in 1910. The following year, over a million people across Europe marked the first IWD, demanding women’s right to vote and an end to discrimination. The date of March 8th gained significance after a massive protest by women textile workers in Russia in 1917, which helped spark a revolution and led to women gaining the vote there.
Today, International Women’s Day is observed and celebrated in diverse ways around the world. Several countries, including Algeria, France, Italy, Spain, and Uruguay, have squares or other public spaces named after March 8th in honor of the day. In Pakistan, the annual Aurat March has become a powerful socio-political demonstration, with women taking to the streets to demand justice and equality. Meanwhile, in much of the world, it is customary for people to give flowers and gifts to their female colleagues and loved ones. Symbols of the day vary by country---yellow mimosa is associated with Italy, Russia, Ukraine, and many other former Soviet republics, while in France, the holiday is marked by violets and lilies of the valley.
In recent years, however, there has been a growing trend, particularly in commercial contexts, to rename IWD as “Goddess Day” or “Queen’s Day.” This shift focuses on consumerism, romanticized praise, and the celebration of femininity. While this can raise the day’s visibility, it often dilutes its core political meaning. International Women’s Day was born from protests for labor rights, suffrage, and social justice. Its essence is the pursuit of gender equality, not just a celebration of being female.
Therefore, we should remember that this day is not only for women. It is for everyone who believes in a fairer world. International Women’s Day belongs to all who stand for gender equality---men, women, and non-binary individuals alike. Let us use this day not just to celebrate, but to reflect on the work still to be done and to commit ourselves to the fight for justice, together.
In celebration of International Women’s Day, it seemed fitting to spotlight the stories and experiences of women in our community, which is why those of several students and instructors were collected in a written interview and shared in this article through five interview questions.
1. Did you have a role model or someone you looked up to growing up? Who and why?
Responses from students and instructors included their parents and female activists. One student mentions their mother and the inequality that women face at workplaces “...Seeing her handle being mistreated at work made me realize how she harmoniously conducts herself with strength and civility, which inspires me everyday to be more like her (in my own way :) ).” (Student, CO30). An instructor also emphasizes racial representation, writing “...Ruth Bader Ginsburg since she was a Proud Jewish Role model” (Science Instructor).
2. What is a challenge that you've faced because of your gender, and how did you handle it?
Nearly all interviewees cite being discriminated against based on their gender in male-dominated fields such as STEM and sports and eventually standing up for themselves to ultimately enjoy whatever field they wanted to participate in. One student writes that “A challenge that I faced because of my gender was my classmate's disbelief in the fact that I could do well in sports, because I was small and a girl…However, during this process, I was able to prove my worth as a defense, and was recognized for it. ” (Lilian Guo CO31). Several other responses also describe facing discrimination in sports, noting “It's hard sometimes to play sports…” and “Sometimes, especially in male-dominated areas such as some sports,” (Student CO28 & 29). Something especially noteworthy is how many of the interviewees mention advocating for not only themselves but also other girls being discriminated against for the same reasons: “During situations where certain students were held-off because of gender, I would stand in for them, and argue with the team captain.” “ I've ignored that and enjoyed whatever experience it was, and have helped other girls do the same thing.” (Students CO31 & 29), which really reflects the kindness and courage of these girls when dealing with unfair and discriminatory situations.
3. What is a moment you felt especially happy or proud to be a woman?
For this question, responses highlight seeing other women and girls happy or successful as well as being supported by the women and girls around them. “Seeing my mother happy” writes an instructor, and “Moments I felt incredibly proud to be a woman was when my little sister won a competition called ‘Girl Power’. I was excited when I learned that this was an all-girl's math competition, and my sister was able to excel in it. This made me proud of my own identity, not just for being a girl, but also being the sister of an awesome kid <3” shares Lilian Guo CO31, both taking pride in being a woman by witnessing the joy and success of women and girls surrounding them. Another student reflected upon her experience playing sports: “Playing soccer with my teammates because in those moments I realize how lucky I am to be surrounded by people who support me.” (Student CO30).
4. What does celebrating Women's History Month mean to you?
A wide array of responses were given for this question, interviewees noted ways to celebrate and the meaning behind the celebration for them personally. One student shared: “I never do anything exceptional for it. However, I make sure to tell the amazing women in my life just how amazing they are,” (Student CO30) emphasizing the women around her, while another response read: “It means more than just celebrating the accomplishments of women, it means celebrating the uphill battle that we had to face” (Science Teacher) looking back on women’s struggles and victories in the past. Finally, Lilian Guo (CO31) also cited the past, writing: “I personally do not celebrate Women's History Month, however, I would imagine that for others, it would mean unity with a society that was once discriminated against heavily. If I were to celebrate Women's History Month, I would celebrate the countless, powerful women that shaped society like it is today.”
5. What is some advice/encouragement you would give to younger girls today?
This last question received a lot of inspiring responses about both being a girl or navigating life in general. The first response reads: “Do the right thing and don’t care what people think about it. Being a good person makes you different and you should love that, not simply feel weird or different.” (Student CO30) inspiring action and courage. Another student emphasizes individuality and pride: “Be yourself! Be proud to be female, and embrace it! Being a woman is a gift!!” (Student CO28). The next response urges action and confidence, writing: “The only way to overcome doubt is to work harder than everyone, which comes from self belief” (Science Instructor). Second-to-last advice also deals with confidence, advising not to let others words define you based on your gender: “Ignore anyone who says that you cant do something or you cant do something as well because you are a girl. they are always wrong.” (Student CO29). This sentiment seems to be particularly prevalent throughout the responses, since the next one is similar: “Some advice I would give to younger girls today would be: "Who says what doesn't define you do what." This means to follow what your heart desires, no matter who tells you what to do.” (Lilian Guo CO31).
To everyone who filled out the interview form, thank you all so much for contributing and I hope any reader can take inspiration from these advice to express some of your own individuality, identity and pride today.