March 5, 2024
International Women's Day (IWD) is a global celebration highlighting the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. Each year, this day serves as a powerful reminder of the progress made towards gender equality and stresses the work that still needs to be done.
The seeds of International Women's Day were sown in 1909 as socialist women and textile workers in New York took to the streets, calling for shorter hours, fairer wages, and suffrage. The momentum continued into the following year when Clara Zetkin, a prominent German leader and advocate for women's rights, proposed at a gathering of working women in Copenhagen that March 8th should be honored globally as a day to champion women's causes. With delegates from 17 nations in unanimous agreement, the stage was set for the inaugural International Women's Day in 1911. On that historic day, over a million people participated in rallies across the globe, amplifying demands for gender equality, suffrage, and an end to workplace discrimination.
Today we stand on the shoulders of courageous women who tirelessly fought for the rights and opportunities we often take for granted today. Nevada Women’s Fund serves as a shining example of local women taking a stand for equality. Established in 1983 by a small group of local women, NWF emerged from their frustration with the unequal distribution of funding for women and women's organizations, as well as the absence of leadership opportunities offered to them. Through the creation of Nevada Women’s Fund, they not only addressed this imbalance by raising and awarding funds to support women's causes but also cultivated a powerhouse of leadership. Over the past four decades, Nevada Women’s Fund has nurtured a prestigious board that has seen more than 250 women evolve into leaders, both in the boardroom and beyond, shaping the landscape of northern Nevada.
Each year, International Women’s Day introduces a theme along with a corresponding pose, inviting you to participate. This year, the campaign theme, "Inspire Inclusion," underscores the significance of diversity and empowerment in every facet of society. I invite you to commemorate International Women’s Day on March 8th by championing diversity and empowerment in your workplaces, homes, and classrooms. Let's celebrate the richness of our differences together.
Take a picture, like the one I’ve taken below, share it on your social media with #inspireinclusion and help us Inspire Inclusion.
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