The 8th of March marks International Women’s Day, a day celebrated in over 30 countries that recognise social, political, economic and cultural achievements by women. The day has been celebrated since the early 1900’s, and even became a national holiday in the Soviet Union in 1917. Since then, it has become a national day in countries such as China, Madagascar, and Nepal.
What better colour to mark the day than Pantone’s colour for 2018, Ultraviolet. The colour represents mystery, passion, originality, ingenuity and visionary thinking. All of these qualities are perfect for a day about pushing towards the future. Women must be visionaries to press on to a future of equality. The colour has historical significance in the women’s movement alongside green and white as the colours of the Women’s Social and Political Union. This is the group that led British women to receive the vote 100 years ago! So the colour is able to represent not only the future of women but also the past! An easy way to get involved in the spirit of the day is by wearing purple!
Women have already taken to social media to show their support. The day hasn’t even started just yet and both the hashtag #Internationalwomensday and #pressforprogress are already trending.
“Press for Progress” is this year’s theme for the holiday. With 200 years to go before equality according to the 2017 World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report, it is now more important than ever that women press onward towards equality and challenge others to do so as well. This year has already been full of progress for women led by actresses from Hollywood in their #metoo and #timesup movements, but there is so much to be done!
No matter how you celebrate the day, women should be proud to be who they are and recognise their importance.
Happy International Women’s Day from Beauty and the Dirt!