Almost every month of the year has several days that recognize and celebrate various causes, organizations, or topics. Some of these days are serious, some are religious, and some are just fun ones (World Doughnut Day, anyone?).
One of the biggest celebrations that we mark in March is International Women's Day. This event is celebrated annually on March 8th, and this year has the theme of "Break the Bias." According to their official website, "International Women's Day 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. Significant activity is witnessed worldwide as groups come together to celebrate women's achievements or rally for women's equality."
International Women's Day has a long history and has been celebrated for over a century, with its first recognition occurring in 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. It was later celebrated for the first time by the United Nations in 1975 but gained more considerable popularity with its re-energization in 2001.*
As part of our own celebration and recognition for this day, the Global Leadership League proudly hosted our event, The Difference You Make: A Conversation with a Holocaust Survivor. This event was an inspiring and moving virtual conversation with Dr. Irene Butter, a Holocaust survivor, and author. We were honored to host this event and to hold our own space in recognizing International Women's Day.
The concept of international days of recognition "predates the establishment of the United Nations"* and these occurrences are helpful to educate and inform people about different causes and global problems and celebrate various causal successes. Some of the most recognized international days include International Women's Day on March 8th, World Water Day on March 22nd, and International Day of Peace on September 21st. To peruse a comprehensive list of International Days of Celebration, visit this site hosted by the UNESCO Center for Peace. On this list, you will find days marking everything from Mother Earth Day (April 22nd) to International Day of Happiness (March 20th).
With so many days of the years dedicated to different causes and topics, it seems that there is a day relating to just about everyone. So, we wonder, if you were to add your own international day or recognition, what type of person or activity would you love to see celebrated each year? Let us know by sharing with us on our social media!
*About international women's day. International Women's Day. (n.d.). Retrieved March 4, 2022, from https://www.internationalwomensday.com/About
*Why do we mark international days? United Nations. (2020, April 21). Retrieved March 4, 2022, from https://www.unsecretariat.net/sections/observances/why-do-we-mark-international-days/index.html#:~:text=Who%20chooses%20them%20and%20how,General%20Assembly%20by%20Member%20States
The mission of the Global Leadership League is to ignite change across the global education field by empowering, connecting, and training leaders. We invite you to reach out to us here or learn more about becoming a member.
