Think marches, tweets and traffic lights
International Women’s Day, which celebrates and political, social, economic and cultural achievements of women, has come replete with a range of campaigns, protests, doodles and events. Here’s a round-up of what has been happening so far:
Google Doodle
Google released a short video, shot in 13 cities and in various languages, that celebrates the aspirations of women around the world. The video, titled #OneDayIWill, includes Nobel Prize winner Malala Yousafzai.
The Glass-Ceiling Index
The Economist published its annual index to coincide with the March 8 event. This year’s chart shows which OECD member nation provides the best or worst chances for equal treatment at work for women. Unsurprisingly, Iceland and Scandinavian countries make the top of the list, while South Korea, Turkey and Japan populate the bottom.
Hillary Clinton
The Democrat presidential nominee took to Twitter, saying that female empowerment can only be a good thing for economies and nations.
Justin Trudeau
Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wrote in the Globe and Mailcelebrating the strides “taken toward gender equality” and advocating for more work to be done.
“Every day, I meet incredible women who inspire me to be a better feminist and a better person. Women can do (and be) anything they want. But powerful cultural change cannot happen when only half of the population works toward that change. Men need to act, set examples and be role models” writes Trudeau in the Globe and Mail.
International Women’s Day Marches
Women took to the streets around the world, including Bangladesh, India, the Philippines and the Netherlands, protesting for equality and in celebration of the day
The comedian informed men, who felt compelled to complain about not having a day, that there is at least one international men’s day:
Scotland’s national newspaper, the Scotsman, changed its name to the Scotswoman for the day.
Valencia’s Traffic Lights
The city of Valencia, Spain, introduced a new ‘feminized’ traffic light on the day depicting female figures in skirts rather than male, reports El Pais. TheGuardian reports that reactions to the new lights are mixed, with one Twitter user remarking: “Isn’t it sexist to put a skirt on the woman?”
Virat Kohli Apologizes
The Indian cricket star apologizes on the behalf of misogynists and men perpetrating violence.
Emma Watson
The UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, who has taken a year off acting to focus on women’s rights around the world, reiterated her determination to campaign on gender issues during an interview saying: “‘Fine. Call me a ‘diva’, call me a ‘feminazi’, call me ‘difficult,’ call me a ‘First World feminist’, call me whatever you want, it’s not going to stop me from trying to do the right thing”
Poverty is Sexist
Stars including Oprah Winfrey, Shonda Rhimes, Tina Fey and Meryl Streep signed an open letter by anti-poverty charity ONE, which was co-founded by Bono, urging world leaders to improve both women’s and girls’ access to education and economic empowerment and help them fight against malnutrition and HIV.
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