Break the Bias - International Women's Day 2022

Today, March 8th, marks International Women's Day around the World.  An event that evolved from a union movement to commemorate the struggle for women's rights.

We thought you might like to learn some facts about what inspired this movement!

Here are five facts about the day: (courtesy of the Independent in the UK)

1. Originally called International Working Women's Day, it was first celebrated on February 28, 1909 in New York in remembrance of a 1908 strike of the International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union when 15,000 workers, including many immigrants, marched through the city's lower east side to demand social and political rights.

2. The first modern International Women's Day was held in 1914, five years after its inception, on March 8.  The day was chosen because it was a Sunday, which the majority of women would have off work allowing them to participate in marches and other events, and has been celebrated on that date ever since.

3. The day was declared a national holiday in the Soviet Union in 1917, and was predominantly celebrated by the socialist movement and communist countries until it was adopted by the UN in 1977.  Since 1996, the UN has assigned a theme to ever International Women's Day. 2022's theme is "Break the Bias."

4. According to the UN, it is "a day when women are recognized for their achievements without regard to divisions, whether national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political.  It is an occasion for looking back on past struggles and accomplishments, and more importantly, for looking ahead to the untapped potential and opportunities that await future generations of women."

5. The day is now an official holiday in several countries including Afghanistan, Cambodia, Mongolia, Vietnam and Zambia and for women only in countries including China, Madagascar and Nepal.

The theme of #BreakTheBias moves us to look at each other as equals.  Imagine a gender equal world.  Imagine a world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination.  Imagine a world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.  Imagine a world where differences are valued and celebrated. 

Together, we can create that world by taking responsibility for our own thoughts and actions each and every day.  Together, we can #BreakTheBias in our communities, our workplaces, our schools, colleges, and universities.  

Take action and #BreakTheBias for yourself and for others.