Celebrating International Women's Day

The Heart of the Women’s Rights Movement

Each year on March 8th, groups all over the world collectively celebrate International Women’s Day. This day anchors itself as the focal point in the movement for women’s rights. As a women-led company, Higher Health Spine and Sport believes in the power and value women bring to the table. Each year, a new campaign starts on this day, creating specific goals and methods to reach on the pathway to equality. In 2019, IWD emphasizes “The Balance for Better”. This call-to-action encourages gender-balanced opportunity across every industry, and we are happy to add our voice of support.

History

On February 28th, 1909, the Socialist Party of America organized a Women’s Day. The following year, the 1910 International Socialist Women’s Conference suggested a Women’s Day be held annually. In 1917, March 8th became a national holiday in Russia. Many years later in 1975, the holiday was adopted by the United Nations and is now largely celebrated each year on an international level.

The first International Women's Day in 1911 was supported by over one million people. Today, International Women’s Day is collectively celebrated by all groups everywhere. In the words of world-renowned journalist and activist Gloria Steinem, “The story of women's struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights."

Women in Healthcare

There are clear points of discrepancy in today’s work place environments. For instance, women make up 78.4% of the labor force in health care and social assistance. However, when it comes to leadership positions, the numbers are staggeringly lower. Out of 46 Fortune 500 healthcare companies, only three females hold top leadership roles. Women make up 92.8% of all medical assistants, but only 34% of executives at the top 100 hospitals are female. Despite a workforce made up almost entirely of women, men receive more opportunity to rise up the ranks in the health care field.

A Balance for Better

While we celebrate National Women’s Day on March 8th, the IWD Campaign “The Balance for Better” will run all year long. This theme addresses the need for gender-balance across all industries. This need for balance is not just a women’s rights issue, but an overall business issue. The journey begins towards gender-balanced government, healthcare, media coverage, boardrooms, compensation, and beyond. Both men and women need to be represented equally in these key positions for economies and communities to thrive.

The road to gender-balance is long, but global attitudes are changing to favor women representation. Two-thirds of people globally say that achieving equality between men and women is important to them personally. This attitude has led to changes in mindsets, like how most countries no longer see childcare as exclusive to women. Further, 75% of people around the world say they would be comfortable with having a female boss.

Unfortunately, women still face significant issues in the quest for equal representation. The most prevalent of these issues include sexual harassment, domestic abuse and the wage gap. Globally, 68% of the population agree that equal pay for women and tougher laws to prevent harassment against them would help to achieve equality.

Be a Part of the Movement

Regardless of your gender, celebrate Women’s Day by starting a conversation about the quest for gender-balance. Ipsos Mori, a researcher on the International Women’s Day annual study, found that two thirds of participants surveyed in the study believe that women won’t achieve equality in their country unless men take action to support women’s rights too.

Although the women’s rights movement has made great strides, over 50% of people globally believe life is easier as a man than a woman. Collectively— across race, gender, country, and religion— we can work our way to a more balanced future. Use this day to spark conversation and enthusiasm for equal representation and support women-led businesses. Post on social media in the #BalanceForBetter pose and engage with peers to help carve out a future of equality.