Women hold up half the sky

Today is March 8 – International Women’s Day.

An occasion when all women from different continents, often divided by national boundaries, ethnic linguistic, cultural, economic and political differences, come together to celebrate the global achievements of women. We can look back to a tradition that represents decades of struggle for social justice, equality, freedom and democracy.

International Women's Day is the story of ordinary women as makers of history.

It is rooted in the centuries-old struggle to participate in society on an equal footing with men. The women’s struggle has displayed a nationalist flavor whether on the streets, in rallies and marches, in classrooms and factories, and in businesses and professions.

International history

More than a century ago, great unrest and critical debates was occurring amongst women. Spurred by oppression and inequality, women became more vocal and active in campaigning for change. It was on February 28, 1908, when the first National Women’s Day was observed across the United States, in accordance with the declaration by the Socialist Party of America.

In 1910, an international women’s conference was held in Copenhagen, Denmark. A woman named Clara Zetkin, a leader from the Social Democratic Party in Germany, tabled the idea of an International Women’s Day (IWD). She proposed that every year in every country, there should be a celebration – a Women’s Day – to press for their demands. The conference, attended by over a hundred women representing different unions, socialist parties, women’s working clubs and women leaders including three members of the Finnish Parliament from 17 countries, welcomed the idea of Zetkin. It won a unanimous approval, and thus giving birth to International Women’s Day.

Following the resolution made from the Copenhagen conference in 1911, IWD was honored for the first time in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. In March 19, more than a million women and men attended the IWD rallies calling for women’s rights to work, to vote, be trained, to hold public office and end discrimination. However, on March 25, the tragic “Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire” in New York City took the lives of 146 working women. Most of them were Jewish and Italian immigrants. The tragedy drew significant attention on working conditions and labor legislation in the United States that became the focus of subsequent International Women’s day events. 1911 also saw women’s Bread and Roses campaign. Bread symbolizes livelihood while roses for better quality of life.

Women continued to celebrate National Women’s Day on the last Sunday of February until 1913. Furthermore, on the eve of World War I, women across Europe held peaceful rallies on March 8, 1913. In the West, IWD was commemorated during the 1910s and 1920s, but dwindled. It was revived by the rise of feminism in the 1960s.

For many years, the United Nations (UN) has held IWD conferences annually to coordinate international efforts for women’s rights and participation in social, political and economic processes. 1975 was designated as “International Women’s Year” by the UN. Different women’s organizations and governments around the world has also observed IWD annually on March 8 by holding large-scale events honoring women’s advancement while remaining vigilant and active in ensuring women’s equality.

On December 1977, the UN General Assembly declared in a resolution calling a United Nation’s Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace which known as International Women’s Day every March 8.

This chronology of events proves that the international women’s day is achieved through militant action of working women from around the world.

Women’s Movement in the Philippines

In the Philippines, Women’s Day celebration has its unique history that grew out of the people’s nationalist struggle. It has contributed to international feminism by bringing women’s perspectives and bear the shape of militancy in the national agenda.

In 1971 before Martial Law was declared, MAKIBAKA (Makabayang Katipunan ng Bagong Kababaihan) led the March 8 celebration that year by staging a protest rally against poverty. When Ferdinand Marcos openly imposed martial rule, open mass actions of womens organizations were temporarily shelved, but the dictatorship did not hinder women and other oppressed sectors to fight against injustice and uphold freedom and democracy.

In 1984, fuelled by resistance against the Marcos dictatorship and an overwhelming need for significant economic and political change, women from different walks of life – workers, peasants, urban poor, indigenous people, middle class, professionals, artists, religious – banded together to set up a national women’s coalition.

In March 11, 1984, GABRIELA was formed to continue the militant and nationalist character of women’s movement in the Philippines. The group was named after Gabriela Silang, the wife of fellow Katipunan revolutionary Diego Silang, Up to now, Gabriela Silang remains a model, a beacon, and an icon to women of the Philippines. GABRIELA on the other hand, leads the Filipino women’s struggle against social inequities and foreign domination.

Proven to be the biggest alliance of women’s organizations in the country, an offshoot party, the Gabriela Women’s Party (GWP) was founded on October 28, 2000. Rich with experiences and lessons at the forefront of the Philippine women’s movement, GWP joined the electoral arena in 2001, 2004 and 2007 elections. Proof of its exemplary performance is the passage of pro-women legislation including the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act and the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act.

In its continuing success in the electoral arena, its Rep. Liza Largoza-Maza, who served as the sole women’s sectoral representative in the 13^th Congress is ready to continue serving the people by joining the senatorial race.

Today, GABRIELA Women’s Party, with over 100,000 members in 15 regions in the Philippines and Filipino communities abroad through grassroots organizing, education, services, various campaigns and legislative efforts continues to advance the rights of women, children and country.

102^nd International Women’s Day

[International Women’s Day] has been observed since in the early 1900’s. Annually on March 8, thousands of events are held throughout the world to inspire women and celebrate achievements. A global web of celebration connects women from all around the world ranging from political rallies, business conferences, theatric performances, and more.

On the occasion of 102^nd celebration on International Women’s Day, it is the strength and militancy displayed in the women’s movement and living with the lessons of March 8 that heightens our daily quest for social justice, equality, freedom and democracy.

So make a difference! Make everyday International Women's Day.

Photo c/o Flickr.com. Some rights reserved.

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