International Women’s Day was created by the UN in 1975 and is celebrated annually on March 8, officially marking a day for highlighting women’s struggle for equal opportunities.
These movements for equality grow stronger and more powerful each year. Different groups, associations, foundations, and individuals continue to raise awareness of harassment, gender violence, murders, the wage gap, and more inequalities that still plague women today.
International Women’s Day, and the entirety of Women’s History Month in March, symbolizes more than a day of thought and remembrance. It is a reminder that dignifies, vindicates, strengthens, admires, and gives gratitude to women who bravely raised their voices in times when it was very risky to speak about inequality. They could lose their own life in the fight for social, political, and legal equality.
Today, feminism can appear to be losing its proper definition a bit because it’s believed that being a feminist is synonymous with being angry or against men. But for me, it is a bunch of ideas summed up in one word to try and end the circumstances and events that women go through every day. Why do we need feminism? Here are some of the many reasons why we must be united for women’s equality:
- For all women who are victims of physical or emotional violence, in their own homes, where should be happy and safe.
- For all the women who are harassed, insulted, or assaulted on the street. And yet, society holds them accountable for the actions of abusers due to the way they dress or act.
- For all the women who were not hired because they were pregnant or for simply being a woman.
- For all those who receive a lower salary than a man even when doing the same, or more, work.
- For all the women who arrive home, are tired from work, and have to take care of the housework because only approximately 25% of the men share housework. Not to mention many homemakers who spend all day taking care of the home and are not recognized for their work.
- For all the women who are in countries that are actively taking away their rights.
- Because there are so many more reasons that I couldn’t write each one of them without fear of missing out on one.
Women, feminism also implies respect among ourselves. Let’s put an end to the criticism, envy, and disrespect against each other. The change starts with us.
Men, join the cause! Gender equality benefits all of society. Tomorrow it will be a complete victory to give your daughter a better world.
We still have a long way to go before true gender equality. We cannot deny how much women have advanced in history and how satisfying it is to leave new generations on an open path to continue the work for a common good and a better future.
Sarahí Domínguez
I am Sarahí Domínguez, a Mexican living in Las Vegas. I am passionate about art, a nail artist by profession, and painter in my free time. I love Mexican food, butterflies and the color pink.
