International Women's Day
International Women's Day has been around since the 1900s. For several years, beginning in 1909, the day was celebrated on the last Sunday in February. This later changed to March 8th, which is the same date that women were given the right to vote in Russia. This is a time for us to look at ways of improving the global concerns of women, as well as looking back and remembering decades of women struggling for equality, justice, peace and change. Here are just a few women who have aided that cause:
Susan B. Anthony (1820 - 1906)
Besides being a women's rights advocate, Susan was also very fashion-forward. She cut her hair short and wore bloomers (short, wide pants) in a time when that was unheard of for women. Some of Susan's causes were the right for equal pay and the right to vote. She was also the first woman on US currency - a one dollar coin.
Harriet Tubman (1820 - 1913)
Harriet was raised as a slave until she ran away as a teenager and gained freedom. Harriet was nicknamed the "Moses of her people" because she led so many slaves to freedom. She made a total of 19 trips on the Underground Railroad (a secret network that helped slaves escape to places where slavery was illegal) and freed more than 300 slaves.
Esther Peterson (1906-1997)
Esther advocated truth in advertising, standardization in packaging, pricing and proper labeling of nutritional values. Food wasn't her only thing. She was an active leader in women's and men's labor, educating workers on thier rights. Esther also led the campaign for equal pay for equal work in the 1950s so that women were guaranteed to be paid the same wage as men doing the same job. In 1981, Esther was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Gloria Steinem (1934 - present)
Gloria Steinem is considered a leading activist in the modern women's rights movement. She started Ms. Magazine, the first national women's magazine run by women. Her activism has inspired women of all ages to take risks, as well as fight for their rights.
Have Your Say
What women influence you? Will you be celebrating International Women's Day? Let us know in the comments section below.