Be Bold for International Women’s Day

This January, millions of women (and men) participated in marches across the globe to spread their message of women’s rights and gender equality. On March 8, advocates will come together once again, this time to celebrate International Women’s Day.

How It All Began

International Women’s Day is rooted in the early movements of women’s rights, which date back to the beginning of the nineteenth century. The first National Women’s Day was created by the Socialist Party of America and was observed in 1909, following the 1908 garment workers’ strike in New York. In the years that followed, International Women’s Day became honored by countries such as Austria, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland and Russia. It wasn’t until 1975 that the first International Women’s Day was recognized by the United Nations on March 8.

Since 1996, the UN has adopted a yearly theme, the first one being “Celebrating the past, Planning for the Future.” Other notable themes include “World Free of Violence against Women” and “Empower Rural Women, End Poverty & Hunger.”

Why We Celebrate

International Women’s Day, also known as the UN Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace, is celebrated annually to recognize the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. Each year, International Women’s Day promotes gender-focused action throughout communities all over the world such as global gatherings, exhibitions, speaking events, conferences, awards, festivals, and more.

Who’s On Board

The day is celebrated by millions of people in over 100 countries around the world. In fact, International Women’s Day is an official holiday in over 25 countries, including Afghanistan, Russia, Ukraine, and Vietnam.

In the United States, many notable figures have made their voices heard. Over the past few years, celebrities such as Lady Gaga, Beyonce, and Victoria Beckham have used International Women’s Day as a platform to raise awareness of women’s rights issues, hoping to bring meaningful change to our society.

What’s New For 2017?

Last year, International Women’s Day sought to include and advance women by urging leaders from around the world to #PledgeForParity. This year, the organization is taking a step further with the theme #BeBoldForChange. This campaign inspires people to take bold actions in the areas of bias and equality, violence, and women’s advancement, achievement and education.

This year will also mark the launch of a strike called “A Day without a Women.” Organized by those involved with the Women’s March, women will participate by taking the day off of work, refraining from shopping and wearing the color red. The strike will coincide with International Women’s Day in an effort to recognize the value that women add to our socio-economic system.

To find out about International Women’s Day events going on in your community, visit https://www.internationalwomensday.com/Events.

One way to take action is to recognize the advances and achievements made by women in all areas of life. The UF Health Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics Center would like to recognize Dr. Jean Carruthers, a pioneer in aesthetics. Dr. Carruthers discovered the use of botulinum toxin for treatment of forehead frown lines. Her discovery later became what we now know as Botox. Even though Dr. Carruthers did not patent Botox for herself, she forever changed the world of cosmetic medicine. Further research revealed that in addition to improving frown lines in the forehead, Botox can be used to treat excessive sweating, migraine headaches and facial asymmetry. It is the most popular cosmetic treatment in the U.S.

UF Health Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics Center is proud to support women in Gainesville and beyond by empowering them with confidence.