International Women's Day is coming up pretty soon, and no matter who you are, you can and should celebrate that. Yes, we should uplift the women in our lives every day, but maybe a little more on March 8th — you know we need it. But what's the point of having a whole day for it? Well, I don't know if there's a correct answer to that question, but maybe some of these responses will suffice.
1. It’s (historically) gotten a lot better for women.
Yeah, we have a lot more work to do, like being intersectional with our feminism and trying to unlearn unconscious misogynistic behaviors. But we've come a long way, and our struggle has been manifested in suffrage movements, the fight for reproductive rights, campaigns to provide education to all girls, striving for equal pay, and even #MeToo. It's not always perfect or totally inclusive, but the important thing is that we're trying.
2. To express our respect for other women openly.
A+ parenting by Jessica Huang.
GiphyNot to say we can't do this all the time, but if we have a special day, might as well take advantage of its 24 hours. I feel like I don't notice or realize when women are being praised in the public eye, either because it doesn't happen often or I just brush it off. I don't want to ignore their accomplishments anymore!
3. To love yourself.
I don't know if this is because of everyone constantly belittling women or whatever, but we need March 8th because many women don't love themselves. It's difficult when you feel worthless if you don't look a certain way or do certain things. You can't be yourself when you don't know who that is. But it doesn't matter! Love yourself despite what the haters have to say about it!
4. To honor the women that came before us.
Millions of women have fought the battle already, but it's not over yet. Their struggle is not in vain if we take up the torch and continue the fight. As Leslie Knope said, "Enemies of fairness and equality, hear my womanly roar!"
5. To take down the patriarchy!!
Ultimately, the patriarchy is the reason we still experience so many hardships. We are expected to be quiet, second to men, ignored, and silenced. But not if I can help it. Start taking steps to reverse your own prejudices against other women, and speak up when something is wrong. Don't apologize for existing, and most importantly, don't apologize for being a woman.
Women, you're all amazing. Celebrate yourselves this IWD, and every day after that.
