As March flies by it is hard not to get enamored by the promise of warm weather, and the excitement of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. However, it is important to remember another holiday in March, one that we get the privilege of honoring all month long, one that allows us to support and pay tribute, not only to the wonderful women in our life, but all women and to continue the fight for equality and equity.
On March 8, most of the world celebrated International Women’s Day (IWD), a tradition that finds its origins in early 20th century western Europe. According to the official International Women’s Day website, the day was originally proposed by the Leader of the “Women’s Office” for the Social Democratic Party in Germany, Clara Zetkin in 1910, and the first IWD was held March 19, 1911. This day was the brainchild of Zetkin, who was supported by unions, socialist parties, and women’s working clubs, as a day on which women could come together to protest, advocate and be heard out about their campaigns for women’s rights including rights to training, work, vote, to hold office and generally to end discrimination.
International Women’s Day was first marked by the United Nations in 1975 then adopted as a resolution to be observed by all member states in 1977. Today it is an official holiday in more than 20 countries and is informally celebrated all over the world. At the turn of the millennium there was renewed effort to ensure the impact of IWD with the creation of an official website and the enactment of campaign themes to concentrate a focus for the day each year. According to the United Nations the 2025 IWD theme is “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” Although broad, this theme calls for a “feminist future where no one is left behind.”
In the year of the centennial celebration of International Women’s Day (2011) then-President Barack Obama proclaimed March to be Women’s History Month (WHM), drawing focus to the accomplishments of women who played a vital and extraordinary role in national history. Expanding the scope and commemoration of women’s historical value and battle for rights was a significant measure that has stayed in place and facilitated more conversation and discovery of the value of women. However, what International Women’s Day and Women’s History month stand for cannot be contained to a mere day or month because every day is a part of the ongoing fight for equality, as women face violence and hate ceaselessly. It is a turbulent time for women right now considering the changes in the landscape of women’s rights with the new presidential administration, the overturning of Roe v. Wade and the repeal of other equality-based initiatives such as diversity, equity and inclusion, which guards against gender-based discrimination amongst other things. Women and all their allies are not remaining silent, there have been marches and protests across the nation spurred on and filled with renewed vigor during Women’s History Month.
At Villanova, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in the efforts for Women’s Rights through independent clubs and the University’s Anne Welsh McNulty Institute for Women’s Leadership. According to the official Instagram page of the McNulty Institute, @novawomenlead, throughout March there are many events being held to celebrate Women’s History Month. This upcoming week the McNulty institute is hosting a celebration at the Oreo on Wed. 19 to “highlight various organizations on campus that promote gender equity and female empowerment,” such organizations include The Pink Club, The Space, Women in STEM and various Greek organizations.
Getting involved in any one of these groups or organizations is a means to advocate for oneself or for the women in one’s life. Additionally, the McNulty Institute is also holding a donation drive to support Home of the Sparrow, an organization that work with women who are experiencing homelessness with drop off bins located near Tolentine 203, outside the student involvement office in Dougherty Hall and in the Connolly Center lobby (more information on donation items can be found on Instagram @novawomenlead).
Women’s History Month serves as a powerful reminder that the fight for gender equality is ongoing, and by participating in campus events here at Villanova, supporting advocacy efforts, and amplifying women’s voices, we can all contribute to a more just and equitable future, one that extends far beyond the month of March.
