One hundred years later, IWD is a national holiday in many countries. Women have made great strides since those marches before World War I. We are leaders in fields from politics to business to social activism. Many of us have more opportunities for education and entrepreneurship than ever before.
Yet women and girls still make up the majority of people living below the poverty line. Women still feel the effects during disasters and conflicts. And, although women produce most of the world’s food, millions of rural women are now facing hunger. We have only to watch the news or read the newspaper to know that there is still much suffering throughout the world, from Libya to China to Central and South America and even here in the United States.
When I was in Nicaragua the first week of March 1987 with a women’s delegation from New England, I joined the celebration as we marched with thousands of Nicaraguans in Managua. The day-long rally was inspiring. That was the first time I had even heard of IWD. Now I connect with many of my women friends around the world on this important day to remember and celebrate.
We have only to open our eyes and hearts to really see how other people live. International Women’s Day is a time when we can become more aware of our sisters around the world.
Ann
B. Day
Fayston
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