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International Women's Day - What's It All About?

International Women's Day - What's It All About?

Today is International Women’s Day (IWD). You have probably heard about it but do you know what it’s all about? I didn’t exactly, so I did some research.

International Women's Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.

For a fun summary of women's achievements through the ages watch this 4:30 minute video by Kronos. 

Each year, the U.N. chooses a theme for the Day. This year is #BeBoldForChange:  Women in the Changing World of Work: Planet 50-50 by 2030.

This theme is so powerful and poignant for me as I stand at another crossroads in my life. I can recall the challenges faced by my Nan seeking work in the 1960’s. She had to bend the truth about her origins and her age, to gain employment in the city.

Now it’s 2017, the world has witnessed a significant change and attitudinal shift in both women's and society's thoughts about women's equality and emancipation. I am delighted to see over the past decade, how many women have run with a strong conviction and a love of our people and planet. There seems to be a new trend to let the caring side of human nature shine through and drive aspirations. It does not all need to be about making the most money. There is a recognition that to make it through this life, and leave a good world for the next generation, we need to be human-kind. Molly Gunn and Constance Hall come to mind.

Molly Gunn founded SelfishMother.com - a blogzine for likeminded women and their feelings on motherhood, in 2013. As the number of readers and the brand grew, Molly created #GoodTees, with the simple idea that selling clothes shouldn’t be just about profit. The ‘wear and share’ philosophy has meant £313,000 has already been raised for selected charities.

Constance Hall is an Australian blogger who refers to all women as Queens. Through her honesty about being a wife, a mother and a woman in today’s society, she has grown a sisterhood of females who draw on the mutual support and humour shared on her site. Constance has taken her popularity for ‘telling it how it is’ to raise funds for Rafiki Mwema - a charity that creates a safe house for young Kenyan girls who have been sexually abused. They needed $75,000 to build a new house - they raised over $200,000.

I, too, am a mother of two young children. I have embarked on &Keep because of my conviction there are like minded people who wish to be the change they want to see in the world (Gandhi), that we can move from a throwaway culture with more mindful purchases and that I can display the alternative choices available. It is challenging - a complete career change, championing a vision, juggling the roles I have as a woman - but there has never been a more exciting time to succeed.