Celebrating International Women’s Day 2018

We’re all for celebrating women, and March 8th marks the annual International Women’s Day.

Wimbledon’s Eyes of Lady W blogger tribe is rooted in women supporting women, celebrating each other’s talents and expertise. United, we have a powerful impact and we’re not afraid to use it. A group of women standing together can speak volumes and we are determined to be heard. That’s why this date is so important to us.

International Women’s Day is held worldwide to commemorate women’s achievements throughout history and across nations. Specifically, the rallies to protest war and the solidarity marches that took place on this day in the past.

It is a time to celebrate and unite women everywhere, regardless of ethnicity, nationality, social class or political standing. Traditionally, the day is marked by arts performances, talks, rallies, networking events, conferences and marches around the world.

Merton is full to the brim of talented women and Tuesday’s launch of Merton Chamber’s Best Business Awards showed how many entrepreneurs and women in business the borough holds and supports.

In an interview with Vogue, Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu, co-organiser of Women’s March London said, “It’s one day of the year that recognises the value that women bring to individual communities and collectively to the world, and showcases the incredible struggles of women who have paved the way for others.”

But this significant day is not just to remember those who have fought before us. International Women’s Day is just as important for women and young girls today, as the fight for gender equality is still going strong. Dr Shola explained, “Every day is still men’s day, so we still need time in the calendar to recognise women. To take a step back and appreciate who women are as mothers, as entrepreneurs, as community leaders, as young women of vision, as girls rising up to fight the modern-day struggle one hundred years since some women got the right to vote.”

How to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD)

In Merton, women’s rights campaigners joined forces in late February to design banners for London’s ‘March 4 Women’ event. Descendants of suffragettes Emily Davison and Emmeline Pankhurst also turned up to help the cause at Merton Heritage Centre.

One of the banners in green, purple and white was designed to represent colours from the Suffragette movement as well as Wimbledon station and the Wimbledon Championships.

Here are some ideas of how you can celebrate:

Photo Credit: InternationalWomensDay.com

Speak out and be heard. This year’s official theme is #PressforProgress. It’s a strong call to motivate and unite friends, colleagues and whole communities to think, act and be gender inclusive. The official website for IWD is asking the public to share their #PressforProgress pictures showing commitment to gender equality, and they’ll be sharing some of the most engaging images.
Join forces. Get a group together and create your own inspiring banners or posters.
Celebrate at work. Hold an IWD breakfast or lunch to share ideas with the team. Celebrate successful women in your business and discuss gender equality within your industry.
Hold a film night. Get your family or friends over for a film night consisting of great productions with leading female roles or produced by a female director.
Read up. There are some really empowering books out there, from biographies to tales from history. If you’ve got children, inspire the younger generation with these two great books about extraordinary women: