by Mary Cullen

For more than a century, people around the world have marked International Women’s Day, which takes place on 8 March. It is a global day for celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It also marks a call to action for women’s equality.

The seeds of the day were planted in 1908, when 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter working hours, better pay and the right to vote.

The United Nations began marking the event in 1975 and its theme for 2025 is Accelerate Action.

We are invited to reflect on how, as individuals and as groups we can take steps to impact positively on women’s advancement: we can call out stereotypes, challenge discrimination, question bias and celebrate women’s success.

The growing tide of right wing populism which, in Donald Trump’s America, has incited and pardoned male violence, has made the world a more dangerous place for women and vulnerable groups.

Speaking out

There are women of courage who speak out. The Rt. Rev. Mariann Budde, Bishop of Washington, made headlines in January when she called on President Trump to have mercy on those who were likely to be disproportionately affected by his administration’s policies.

Preaching at the traditional interfaith service in Washington Cathedral following the president’s inauguration, she addressed him directly:

‘Millions have put their trust in you. As you told the nation yesterday, you have felt the providential hand of a loving God. In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now. There are transgender children in both Republican and Democratic families who fear for their lives.

‘And the people who pick our crops and clean our office buildings; who labour in our poultry farms and meat-packing plants; who wash the dishes after we eat in restaurants and work the night shift in hospitals — they may not be citizens or have the proper documentation, but the vast majority of immigrants are not criminals. They pay taxes and are good neighbours. They are faithful members of our churches, mosques and synagogues, gurdwara, and temples.

Dr Mary Cullen is editor of Open House

Image: Poster for International Women’s Day 8 March 1914