This year, the theme for International Women's Day as designated by the UN is "Equal rights, equal opportunities: Progress for all". I can't think of a better theme for the first Women's Day of the new decade. Some of you may wonder why such an occasion is still observed. Think of it as a civil awareness/human rights day. While women may not face the same struggles as we did 100 years ago, it continues to be vitally important to bring awareness to the issues modern women face today, and gender discrimination still endured by both women and men (International Men's Day takes place on November 19th).However, in many countries the day has lost its political meaning, and become something like a mashup of Mother's Day and Valentine's Day. Less history, more ladies' appreciation. In Italy, Brazil, and much of Eastern Europe, it is traditional to give flowers or chocolates to one's mother, sister, wife, girlfriend or colleagues.
So we say: celebrate the women in your life! Let them know on this day, that they are appreciated for all the hard work they put into their careers, their families, their friendships and passions. Show it with flowers!
For more on International Women' Day visit the UN WomenWatch website here.
