International Women’s day celebrates gender equality and the achievements of women in the economic, political, social and health arenas. For the Howell Foundation, the celebration is a year-round effort and focuses on advancing women’s health research to make a long-term positive impact on women’s health.
It is thought by many that the day to recognize gender equality officially started back in 1908, when women oppression and inequality led them to be more active in demanding change. Back then, a march of 15,000 women through the streets of New York created the attention needed to establish the first National Women’s Day observance in 1909 by the Socialist Party of America — which was typically celebrated at the end of February.
By 1910, during an International Women’s Conference in Copenhagen, it was proposed that women all over the world should celebrate on the same day – an International Women’s Day. After women from many countries supported the idea, what started as a ‘socialist’ observance finally became a true international and recognized holiday in 1913, when the date to demand equality for women was set for March 8th.
International Women’s day was adopted by the Uinted Nations in 1977. Their 2020 International Women’s day campaign is focused on gender equality. It is also commemorating 25 years since the ‘Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action’; a historic roadmap signed by 189 governments that sets the agenda for making women’s rights a reality.
The World Health Organization marks the 2020 International Women’s Day with its campaign #EachforEqual, and is based on the concept of ‘Collective Individualism’, where chnanges that start on individual actions can have an impact on a larger society.
It has taken over a century for women to finally take center stage. However, even though the line of gender inequality is becoming finer, gender-related statistics still show research and health bias in the 21st century. By creating awareness, we ensure that women continue to have the choices they have today.
How we celebrate women’s health year-round
For a remarkable 25 years, the Howell Foundation has played an important role in the celebration and advancement of women’s health. We:
- Work to fund undergraduate and graduate research scholarships
- Award grants to scientists who conduct research benefiting under represented women in the community,
- Hold educational events that inform our commmunity on the latest advances in research to provide health education
- Support research efforts that promote self-advocacy for the long-term health and well-being of women, their families and the community in which they live.
Learn more about how you can play a pivotal role in keeping the women you love healthy.
