International Women’s Day arose in response to the civil unrest surrounding the turn of the last century. Women representing unions, socialist parties, and working women’s clubs fought for improved working conditions, better pay, and rights to vote, work, be educated, hold public office and end discrimination. In 1910, at the second International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen, Clara Zetkin, the leader of the “Women’s Office” of the Social Democratic Party in Germany, proposed an International Women’s Day to celebrate achievements and press for their demands. Since then, IWD has become a day for advocating peace and women’s rights and participation in social, political and economic processes. IWD is a national holiday in some countries, such as China and most of the former Soviet Union.
The new millennium has seen a shift in both women’s and society’s attitudes about women’s equality rights and freedoms. Many of the younger generation feel that the battles of their mothers and grandmothers have been won, while the complexity and longevity of patriarchy remain. Many improvements have been made, with increased visibility of women in executive boardrooms and as role models in many other aspects. Women today do have many more choices than in previous years, but unfortunately, pay equity is still a problem in many industries and countries. Additionally, women’s health and education are globally worse than their male counterparts, and violence against them is still a serious concern.
The focus for International Women’s Day has also shifted accordingly, and serves to inspire and celebrate women’s achievements. Political rallies, protests, business and networking conferences and government activities are common events held on Women’s Day, while other groups celebrate with theatrical performances, art and fashion.
Personally, I would like to say that the women’s rights movement is not “just asking for things because we see inequality”. Women who are accepted into university programs, hired into industry or elected as governmental officials still need to earn that position – it’s not a free ride. The purpose of women’s rights is to make these opportunities more available by breaking down barriers of what roles are traditionally filled by women and by men. No one ever said that women’s liberation is about making women better; it’s about understanding gender differences and applying them equally to get the most gains (economic, social and cultural) out of society. For example, allowing paternity leave is something that has greatly improved the work-family balance for both genders, as both parents can spend time with the child or the mother can return to work sooner if she wishes. This is just one of many successes.
Erin Chapple from Microsoft visited UW last week as a guest speaker for the Women in Engineering committee meeting. She proposed a few things that struck me as important for women in industry to know:
- Ask for what you want! Your managers or supervisors can’t read your mind and you likely won’t get promoted unless you vocalise your goals and intentions. Find a sponsor- someone who will open opportunities for you, (as opposed to a mentor who serves in an advisory position).
- Be comfortable in your own skin; have congruency with your inner and outer selves. Don’t change your beliefs or personality to fit in with a workplace.
- Finally, make the most of the “30 second elevator pitch”. This means to take charge of opportunities that arise, such as pitching your current project or success to the president of the company when you meet in the elevator.
By the time this issue comes out, Women’s Day 2010 will have passed, but please take some time out of your day to celebrate and respect your mothers, sisters, girlfriends, mentors and female professors who’ve contributed to your life. If you’re female, celebrate your personal achievements as well and have confidence in yourself that the world is at your fingertips.
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