Parity: the state or condition for being equal, especially regarding status or play. For many, this word may not mean much. But on International Women’s Day, which occurred on Tuesday, March 8, women all over the world celebrated the progress of women to social, economic, political, and cultural achievement.
The time line for International Women’s Day has changed a lot over the years. In 1909, the first National Women’s Day was celebrated on February 28 as women were becoming more vocal in campaigning for change due to oppression and inequality. In March 1911, International Women’s Day was celebrated by Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. Also in March of 1911 was the Triangle Fire in New York City, where more than 140 women died. In 1913, International Women’s Day was moved to March 8 and has remained that date ever since.
The United Nations first celebrated International Women’s Day in 1975, and every year since has adopted an annual theme. Past years have included themes such as, “Women at the Peace table”, “World Free of Violence Against Women”, and “Empower Rural Women, End Poverty & Hunger”. According to the World Economic Forum in 2014, it would take until 2095 global gender parity. However, one year later in 2015 the estimate was pushed back and it was estimated that global gender parity would be reached in 2133, leading to this year’s theme of “Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step It Up for Gender Equality”.
In addition to this year’s theme, the hash tag “PledgeForParity” was promoted in order to raise awareness for International Women’s Day. Internationalwomensday.com offers #PledgeForParity cards for people to download and print out to include in their social media posts. This is in hope of having social media posts that encouraging other people to make the pledge and be engaged in the cause.
While some people at Oakton were aware of this day celebrated across the world, many others were unaware of this push for gender equality. No clubs at Oakton made a special effort to highlight International Women’s Day, and no specific announcements were made. Freshman Gabriella Parrillo stated, “I’m definitely a great thing and I’m glad we have it [International Women’s Day]. I do wish that Oakton did something more with it, like maybe having an advisory lesson on it to promote it and raise awareness.” For next year, maybe something else will be done for March 8, but that doesn’t mean any effort to promote gender equality, women’s empowerment, and women’s human rights aren’t encouraged before then.
