The initial idea for an International Women’s Day started in 1910 at the International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen. The goal of the day was to rally for women’s right. A year later on March 19th, The International Women’s Day was honored for the first time in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. In 1913, the date was moved to March 8th and since then, it had become a global phenomenon.

Even in today’s modern society, men and women are still not treated as equals in the workplace. Though progress has been made with women holding high professional positions, there is still a large gap between their wages. According to the OECD, women are being paid on average, 18% less than their male counterparts in industrialized nations. The country with the widest wage gap is South Korea where men can earn 38% more than women. In Europe, Belgium represents the smallest wage gap with 9% difference. In light of equality, these figures are worrisome. Women have come a long way, but more can be done.

At the EU level, importance is given to IWD. On its webpage, the European Parliament dedicated a special section to IWD, with its own theme of “Ending Violence Against Women.” EuroParl TV also features an interview with the Head of European Women’s Lobby, who stated that 1 in 5 women experience domestic violence.

On March 6th, Brussels held its third annual Women’s World March to fight against violence. Over 5000 men and women joined the 1.7 km March downtown. Also, NATO’s headquarter in Brussels hosted an online debate about Women, Peace and Security: Why does it matter? Similar events are being held throughout the world in the month of March, such as an ice-skating event for women’s right in Amsterdam. In the US, the whole month of March is Women’s History Month.

With continuing unequal wages and violence, it’s time to celebrate women’s achievement, make everyday a Women’s Day. |