Worldwide people are coming together to celebrate balance during today’s (8 March) International Women’s Day festivities.
An annual event, International Women’s Day works to promote a gender balanced world where everyone has the same opportunities, support and guidance to achieve their goals.
HISTORY
Women have been paving the way for many years. And, disabled women have been spearheading change for decades.
We previously wrote about the disabled suffragette, Rosa Mary Billinghurst. Born in 1875, Rosa experienced polio in her childhood which resulted in Rosa being unable to walk. Using a hand-tricycle, a version of a wheelchair, Rosa was actively at many suffragette demonstrations.
From Rosa to Fridah Kahlo, Sarah Gordy to Hannah Cockroft, Selma Blair and beyond: disabled women are pioneering change.
And this is to be celebrated during this year’s International Women’s Day.
Grassroots activism to worldwide action, we are in an exciting time for change and female empowerment.
THEME
This year’s theme is #BalanceforBetter, which will see a yearlong campaign to guide and galvanize continual change.
Working with men and women, International Women’s Day can celebrate and champion the women calling for change and the male allies striving for a more balanced and inclusive world.
By striking the #BalanceforBetter pose you can show your support for change.
Alongside celebrating the powerful women amongst us, a focus is certainly on improving areas where women are not as successful or being left behind.
Calling for balance across politics, business, wealth and media coverage men and women are striving for, as the theme suggests, better balance.
SUPPORT
As the day continues, this is an important time to come together and celebrate the marginalised communities in the world.
Disabled women, and men, have been empowering the community, campaigning for equality and supporting education for many years.
Shining a light on disability on International Women’s Day is a fantastic way to call balance into action for gender and ability.
Actress Selma Blairis riding a powerful wave at the moment showcasing her journey and experiences with MS.
When more women speak out about life with a disability, what needs to change to support their needs, and work for a more inclusion: we can all live in a more balanced and better world.
What will you be doing this International Women’s Day? Let us know on Twitter and Instagram.