International Women’s Day: A Celebration of Strength, Struggle, and Progress

Every year on March 8th, the world comes together to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD)—a day to honor the achievements of women, reflect on progress, and recognize the work still ahead. But this day is more than just a date on the calendar; it is a legacy of resilience, a symbol of change, and a call to action.

Where It All Began: The Roots of International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day has its roots in the labor movements of the early 1900s, when women were fighting for fair wages, better working conditions, and the right to vote. The first official gathering took place in 1911, after German activist Clara Zetkin proposed the idea of an international day dedicated to women’s rights at the International Socialist Women’s Conference in 1910.

From its origins in labor strikes to its recognition by the United Nations in 1975, IWD has grown into a global movement, uniting voices from all walks of life in the pursuit of gender equality.

Milestones in Women’s Rights: How Far We’ve Come

Throughout history, courageous women have defied expectations, broken barriers, and demanded change. Here are just a few pivotal moments:

• Women’s Suffrage (Late 1800s – 1900s): From the U.S. to the UK and beyond, women fought tirelessly for the right to vote, paving the way for future generations.
• Equal Pay Act (1963, U.S.): A landmark victory in the fight against wage discrimination.
• Gloria Steinem & the Rise of Feminism (1960s-70s): Feminist leaders like Steinem helped shape the modern women’s movement, advocating for workplace rights, reproductive freedom, and equal opportunities.
• The #MeToo Movement (2017-Present): A modern-day reckoning that has exposed systemic injustices and amplified the voices of survivors.

Why It Still Matters Today

While we’ve made incredible strides, there is still work to be done. Women continue to face disparities in pay, leadership representation, and basic rights in many parts of the world. This year’s theme for International Women’s Day, “Inspire Inclusion,” reminds us that true progress happens when every woman—regardless of background, race, or status—has an equal seat at the table.

How You Can Be Part of the Change

Celebrating International Women’s Day is not just about reflection—it’s about action. Here’s how you can make an impact:

✨ Support Women-Owned Businesses – Your purchase is a vote for equality.
✨ Mentor and Empower Other Women – Lift as you climb.
✨ Advocate for Change – Use your voice, whether it’s at work, in your community, or online.
✨ Educate Yourself & Others – Read books by powerful women, share their stories, and engage in meaningful conversations.

The Future is Female—And It’s Now

As Gloria Steinem so powerfully said, “The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights.”

International Women’s Day is our day—a day to honor the past, stand strong in the present, and forge a future where every woman is empowered to live, lead, and thrive.

Here’s to us—past, present, and future. Happy International Women’s Day!

PS~ There is currently a confusing torrential flood of anti-DEI* sentiment in the air in the United States. I want to be clear and acknowledge that I was a “DEI” hire at one point in my life. As a divorced single mother of three children under the age of five, I went to work as one of the first female Teamster truck drivers of that time.
There is no way I would have been hired in that traditionally male-dominated field without the Congressional mandate to hire women and minorities. That position allowed me to support my family in the same way my (male) coworkers supported theirs.
I could write about the discrimination, sexual harassment, and death threats I was forced to navigate—but that story is for another time. I add this disclaimer now only to say that I support DEI hires, and I (and my children) have directly benefited from the very laws that are now under attack.

↓ My first truck driving job ↓ (For reference, I’m 5’8″)

*DEI stands for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Diversity refers to the presence of different identities, backgrounds, and perspectives, including race, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, and more.
Equity ensures fair treatment, access, and opportunities for all, addressing systemic barriers that disadvantage certain groups.
Inclusion is about creating environments where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute fully.