March 8th is an International Women’s Day.
The day is not fully recognized in Japan, and I myself came to know about the day only when I moved to Canada.
The day should be celebrated in various ways in countries and cities expat wives are currently living.
I’d like to share what’s happening here in the US these days, celebrating a day of women.
What is International Women’s Day?
In the history of the US, a demo for women’s suffrage in New York in the early 1900s is said to be the origin leading to the birth of International Women’s Day.
Women stood up against the discrimination where voting was not allowed for most of them.
In 1975, the United Nations designated March 8th as International Women’s Day to call for equal rights for women all over the world.
Today, the day is celebrated across the globe for people to think about women’s lives and the ideal society for them.
International Women’s Day is also seen as a day of Mimosa when men present the flower to women.
I personally associate the name Mimosa more with the cocktail coming from the flower…. both the flower and the cocktail are popular among women!
International Women’s Day in the US
There have been many events related to International Women’s Day around March 8th.
Kellogg School also has hosted several events, one of which was “Hear My Story: Kellogg’s Student-Moms”.
Several student-moms at the school shared their stories about struggles, life journeys or how their partners have helped.
All their stories were encouraging and reminded me of how support from partners, families or societies are crucial for women’s lives.
While there were or still are not a few societies limiting women’s rights, I believe making a society that treats women equally or fairly will ultimately be the one good for all.
“Good society” for women
Having lived in Canada and the US, I found people in North America, in general, are fair and supportive for women.
While admitting it’s a cultural difference and we cannot be judgemental, not a few Japanese women find that people are more “gentle” in other countries.
What’s natural in one country is not always natural in another.
On this International Women’s Day, why don’t we think a bit about cultural differences between your home country and current country in terms of women’s rights and ways of life?
Go JVs!
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