International Women’s day is celebrated in several nations and was first observed in America on Feb. 18, 1909 for the purpose of a garment worker strike in New York City. According to the United Nations,

“The Charter of the United Nations, signed in 1945, was the first international agreement to affirm the principle of equality between women and men. Since then, the UN has helped create a historic legacy of internationally-agreed strategies, standards, programmes and goals to advance the status of women worldwide.”

Today, International Women’s day is celebrated on March 8. On this day, love and appreciation of women is emphasized, along with a celebration of women’s social, political, and economic achievements. Many people wear purple ribbons in honor of Women’s day.

The UN theme for International Women’s Day 2015 was, “Empowering Women, Empowering Humanity: Picture it!” There was even a trending hashtag for social media: “MakeItHappen” that put even more emphasis on this day. Many empowering and celebratory events take place on International Women’s day. Events such as “Women Ever After: Making It Happen,” which took place online as well, and was described as an “Emotionally Empowering Community Coaching Experience.” Another event scheduled was called “Cool Women, Hot Food #MakeItHappen.” This event celebrated the women chefs and farmers in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Many people see International Women’s Day as positive celebration. Others see it a bit differently. Junior Bailey Huggins shared her opinions about International Women’s Day.

“I didn’t know there was an International Women’s Day, but that being the case, I think it’s lame that we need to designate a day to celebrate women. I feel like that should be a common thing because women are awesome,” she said. This perspective on Women’s day is not putting down the support and love of women, but rather directing our attention to the fact that we really should be appreciating, loving, and empowering women every single day.

Others see National Women’s Day in a different light. Senior Mackenzie John spoke about National Women’s Day in terms of how we can make a change.

“Well we can’t progress in this country until there are equal rights for all, and women are taught from a young age that things will just always be “unfair.” The earlier we impose the idea that all things are possible on young generations, the more they are going to grow up believing it, and therefore changing the way we view equal rights for women, and progress in feminism,” she said.

The establishment of International Women’s Day represents a big step towards a consistent empowerment of women, and active gender equality throughout every nation. Although it is amazing that people around the world band together on a certain day to celebrate the beauty and power of women, hopefully in the future, it will be Women’s Day every day.