Copy of International Women’s Day, March 8

The first National Women’s Day was celebrated in 1909 to honor a strike led by women garment workers in New York City who were protesting poor working conditions.

Issues

Solutions

Despite record numbers of women running for office and winning in recent years, the United States ranks 78th in the world for female representation in public office.

Women running for positions embraced their gender as an asset. What started as a resistance movement against the 2016 Presidential election has turned into women disrupting the rules of the game and holding men accountable.

In the 2018 elections the US saw many female firsts (Native American woman, Muslim woman) which demonstrates just how far there is to go for gender equity in politics. Democrats made greater strides in securing positions.

Women in South and Latin America have a long and solid track record of activism while attempting to construct free democratic societies. All countries have ratified the Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women — 14 even ratified the Optional Protocols.

Issues

Solutions

There is a lot of work to be done in Latin America to make political gains for women so there can be real change. Fortunately, there is a large and active women’s movement happening here - numerous protests, thousands of participants, and social media engagement.

Gender-based violence is prevalent in all South American and Latin American countries. The violence overshadows any gains that have been made to promote gender equality in politics, education and health care.

A third of women and girls over 15 in Latin America have suffered from sexual violence and Latin American women are more likely to be killed than women in any other part of the world.

First International Women’s Day recognized in 1911

Issues

Solutions

The members of the European Union have been working on a gender equality strategy that includes 30 actionable items. However, the most recent report shows that the growth is occurring at a “snail’s pace” and some countries are doing well while others continually fall short.

Governments and businesses in Europe would say they are doing all they can to celebrate the contributions of women, but based on the number of protests and protestors on IWD 2019 there are stark differences. Women in several countries (France, Spain, Italy) were striking, while others were bringing attention to human trafficking and violence against women.

Australia’s first International Women’s Day was held in 1928 in Sydney. Organized by the Militant Women’s Movement, women called for equal pay for equal work, an 8 hour working day for shop girls and paid leave. The next year the event spread to Brisbane. In 1931, annual marches were launched in both Sydney and Melbourne and both marches continue to be held today.

Issues

Solutions

Cricket Australia will make sure that any prize money won by the women’s team will match that of the men’s team. The ICC is also hoping for record breaking attendance at the final to highlight the achievements of women.

Equal Pay for athletes is a worldwide issue and in Australia, it is best illustrated by the men and women’s cricket teams. The 2020 Women’s International Cricket Conference (ICC) final will be held in Australia on International Women’s Day, March 8, 2020.

Africa

The Maputo Protocol has advanced the rights of women in Africa beyond the existing international human rights legal instruments. It has been celebrated universally for its various innovations in women’s rights. These include the legal prohibition of FGM, authorization for medical abortion in instances of rape, incest, sexual assault and where a pregnancy endangers the health or life of the mother.

Issues

Solutions

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is still a human rights issue in many African countries. Worldwide, 200 million women and girls have experienced FGM. Not only is the practice harmful to the health of a female, it also affects her mental health.

Collective abandonment, where a whole community gives up FGM is most effective in stopping it. The United Nations Women is also working with Traditional Leaders from 17 African countries to establish new cultural norms that not only eliminates FGM but also child marriages.

Issues

It was only 40 years ago that women were able to stay in research stations on Antarctica. Not only do women battle discrimination in the STEMM field, but those doing research here lack proper fitting gear, experience sexual harassment and social isolation, and are forced to deal with female role stereotypes (e.g. doing cleaning and cooking).

Antarctica

Solutions

In Antarctica, the International Women's Day in 2012 saw more than fifty women celebrating and who made up 70% of the International Antarctic Expedition.

There are more women doing research in Antarctica, there is a focus on mental health and support before women researchers leave for their assignments, and women are focusing on the opportunities and the rewards that come with their work

Asia

Despite some progress in recent years, a large number of Asian women and girls continue to suffer severe discrimination. Violence against women is one of the deadliest forms of violence in Asia.

Issues

Solutions

Female activists, lawyers and journalists are frequently imprisoned in Asian countries for advocating for women’s rights; rights that include driving (Saudi Arabia), removing head coverings (Iran), or speaking against the government (Turkey). They are being kept in horrible conditions and for absurd sentences.

International attention on these women and the issues they are fighting for are helping and not just on International Women’s Day but year round.