Women's Day is not a "new" holiday by any means, but it sure does feel like it. The earliest Women’s Day observance was held on February 28, 1909, in New York, and the earliest
I ever heard of Women's Day was March 8th, two years ago. As a wee lass, I never saw Women's Day on the calendar, but I'm starting to now. Why is that? I assume it's because women have made notable advancements (especially in the last two decades) that demand recognition, honor, respect, and celebration.
When the first Women's Day took place in 1909, women had very few, if any, rights. They couldn't vote, own property, choose a career, sue or be sued. At this time they weren't even considered
persons under the 14th Constitutional Amendment, which guarantees equal protection under the law.
But we've come a long way since 1909. In the US, we exercise those hard-won rights with vigor. For example, a record number of women (104) will be serving in the US Congress this year (yes, that is only 19% of Congress, but that is twice the amount from 20 years ago). There is even a serious female contender--nay, front runner--in the presidential bid. Also, twenty years ago there were zero female CEOs on the Fortune 500 list. Now, women occupy 5% of those positions. Change may have started slowly, but it is catching fire.
The point? Honor a woman this day. Whatever her position--CEO, administrative assistant, small business owner, full-time mother, manager, laborer, engineer, artist, customer service extraordinaire--honor her. Her current social, cultural, and professional position was built upon centuries of revolutionary history, the ripples of which are still in effect.
We say, start with flowers. Flowers are pretty, but they are not weak. They, too, have used all their resources--their genetics, their will, their immediate environment, the sun, dirt, and rain--to fight against the elements and rise up, beautiful, fragrant and strong. Men, honor the women in your life with vibrant, living blooms. Women, celebrate the fellow females in your life with flowers--your mother, sister, boss, co-worker--any woman that has inspired or encouraged you in that special way that only women can. Go further and buy flowers for yourself--love and respect yourself, and recognize from where you have come.
Women's Day is a day for reflection and celebration. Reflection on how far we have come, and a celebration of the hope we have for the future. Enjoy it!
