#BalanceforBetter is the 2019 campaign theme for International Women's Day #IWD2019, which fell on the 8th March.
International Women's Day has been marked for over a century with the first IWD gathering in 1911, which was supported by over a million people in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland; prior to this date the Suffragettes movement of United Kingdom and the Socialist Party of America held celebrations and campaigns for women's equality. The day is a global celebration of political, social, cultural and economic achievements of women. More recently the day has called for action for gender parity and equality.
"The story of women's struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights." Gloria Steinem, world-renowned feminist, journalist and activist
It is well documented that women's achievements and progress have been very much kept in the background and downtrodden for centuries, but in recent years acceptance and appreciation has began to grow and with it has come the beginnings of equal rights with regard to pay and employment. However the 2019 IWD year long campaign #BalanceforBetter is calling for all genders to be equal and accept that a balanced society will lead to a better 'gender balanced' world for all.
"From grassroots activism to worldwide action, we are entering an exciting period of history where the world expects balance. We notice its absence and celebrate its presence." (www.internationalwomensday.com)
A photography campaign is asking people to strike a hands-out balance pose and share their images via social media to raise awareness for the campaign and hopefully make a positive difference to women all over the globe.
(photo courtesy of www.internationalwomensday.com)
IWD have also collaborated with #EyeEm to run a photography competition where talented photographers have been asked to create images of women in non-stereotypical situations, roles and reflecting true imagery of women in real settings further imagery please visit their site www.eyeem.com/campaign/international-womens-day
It is hoped that with continued support and raising awareness of the issues affecting equality and diversity over the next few years our society will become more balanced and equality for all is just around the corner.
Further reading;
Eyeem (2019) International Women’s Day Campaign. Available at: https://www.eyeem.com/campaign/international-womens-day (Accessed 05 March 2019)
International Women’s Day (2019) Theme. Available at: https://www.internationalwomensday.com/Theme (Accessed 05 March 2019)
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