From challenge comes change

On March 8, 1857 the roots of International Women’s Day were planted when women from various New York City factories staged a protest over poor working conditions. In 1910, at an International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen,  a woman named Clara Zetkin brought up the idea of a day to celebrate the achievements.

Today, 111 years later, March 8 is still the focal point in the movement for women’s rights. This year, we join women around the world in a rallying call for women to raise awareness against bias, celebrate the achievements we have made so far and to take action for equality.

This year, we do all this in the midst of a pandemic, as the world continues to navigate its impact. Unfortunately, millions of women have felt the effects - from job loss to a spike in domestic violence. 

But we have heroes among us who have chosen to challenge the setbacks, taken up the responsibility of leadership and have embraced moving forward; women who are making a difference in their communities with the little resources they can find. 

Even as poor political representation continues to plague women, we applaud the women who have taken up the challenge of leading from wherever they are.