What will you be doing to celebrate?
Today is International Women’s Day (IWD) and it’s a day to consider all the many amazing women in our lives. The theme is #PressforProgress
I will #PressforProgress and …
- believe achievement comes in many forms
- value women’s individual and collective success
- ensure credit is given for women’s contributions
- celebrate women role models and their journeys
- support awards showcasing women’s success
IWD is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. IWD has occurred for well over a century, with the first March 8 IWD gathering supported by over a million people in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. Prior to this the Socialist Party of America, United Kingdom’s Suffragists and Suffragettes, and further groups campaigned for women equality. Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere. IWD is not country, group or organisation specific.
Today is also about all finding inspiration and courage from diverse women role models.
IWD is an important day for children and young people to “to actively question and openly challenge stereotypes and bias is important because it helps forge a more inclusive world.”
I will #PressforProgress and …
- question assumptions about women
- challenge statements that limit women
- always use inclusive language
- work to remove barriers to women’s progress
- buy from retailers who position women in positive ways
There are lots of educational resources on the IWD website including downloadable teacher resources.
IWD has also teamed up with Penguin Schools to provide practical and insightful classroom resources that teach children about gender equality issues.
Take a look at ‘Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History’ by Vashti Harrison, championing the many women who have changed the world and then look at these downloadable resources:
- Access the “Little Leaders” Book Study Lesson Resource Kit
- Access the exclusive IWD Author interview with Vashti Harrison
- Access the “Little Leaders” colouring in sheet
- Access the “Little Leaders” animation
- Access the International Women’s Day Schools Resource Pack
- Access the International Women’s Day Schools Reading List (5 – 15 years)
- Access the International Women’s Day Pioneering Women Reading List (15+ years)
- Access further Penguin Schools Classroom Resources
The International Women’s Day videos can be used as classroom discussion starters to reinforce important gender concepts or to provide entertaining ways to celebrate the day.
Individually, we’re one drop but together we’re an ocean. Commit to a “gender parity mindset” via progressive action. Let’s all collaborate to accelerate gender parity, so our collective action powers equality worldwide.
I will #PressforProgress and …
- supportively call-out inappropriate behaviour
- campaign for equality in meaningful ways
- lead by example via inclusive actions
- be a role model for equality
- actively contribute to changing the status quo
Links
Remember the IWD website is just one of many devoted to gender equality. Another very worthy site worth visiting is the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD), the official aid agency of the Catholic Church in England and Wales. They say,
Globally, women are less likely to be involved in decision-making, to own land or property or to have access to education and employment than men. Violence against women is one of the most widespread abuses of human rights globally. Confronted with this reality and with a mission to serve the poorest and most disadvantaged, CAFOD has prioritised its work with women and girls.
See also the great ideas in the TES.