How to celebrate Women's Month with intention
I love that there is an entire month - March - that’s been set aside to celebrate women’s achievements and shed light on women’s struggles around the world. But sometimes this can be a bit, well, navel gaze-y at least and exploitative at most. A lot of brands take this opportunity to sell more product and women are often cheered on just because they are women. Nothing wrong with either. It’s tough being a woman. But it sidelines the entire point of Women’s Month.
What is Women’s Month actually about?
The origin of Women's Month dates back to the early 1900s when women began to organize and demand equal rights and better working conditions. In 1908, women in the United States held a march in New York City to demand better pay and working conditions, as well as the right to vote. This event is considered the precursor to International Women's Day, which is celebrated on March 8th each year.
Over time, the celebration of International Women's Day grew and expanded to other countries, including the Philippines. In 1988, the Philippines declared the first week of March as Women's Week via Proclamation No. 224, s. 1988. In 2017, the Philippine government declared the entire month of March as Women's Month to highlight the significant role of women in Philippine society and to promote gender equality and women's empowerment.
Today, Women's Month is celebrated around the world with a variety of events, such as rallies, marches, conferences, and cultural events. The goal is to celebrate women's achievements, raise awareness about women's issues, and promote gender equality and women's rights.
So how can we celebrate Women’s Month in a meaningful way?
International Women's Month is a time to celebrate the progress made towards gender equality, and to recognize the work that still needs to be done. It's a time to honor the incredible contributions of women throughout history, and to focus on creating a better future for all women. But how can we celebrate in a way that will actually advance women's rights? Here are some ideas.
Educate yourself: One way to celebrate International Women's Month is to educate yourself about the unique challenges facing women today. For example, women in the Philippines face high rates of domestic violence, limited access to education and employment opportunities, and a lack of representation in politics. By learning about these issues, you can become a more effective advocate for women's rights in the Philippines.
Support women-owned businesses: Female entrepreneurs in the Philippines face many challenges, such as limited access to funding and discrimination. By supporting women-owned businesses locally, you can help to level the playing field and promote gender equality.
Donate to organizations that support women in the Philippines: There are many organizations in the Philippines that work to promote women's rights and empower women. For example, Gabriela Women's Party is a political party that advocates for women's rights and gender equality in the Philippines. The Philippine Commission on Women is a government agency that works to promote gender equality and women's empowerment.
Speak up about issues affecting women: If you see or hear something that is sexist or discriminatory towards women, speak up. This could be in the workplace, in your personal life, or on social media. By calling out sexism and discrimination, you can help to promote a more equal and just society for women in the Philippines.
Something to consider!
