International Women's Day

Up until last year, I do not recall ever having heard of or celebrating International Women's Day. Though at twenty I already considered myself an independent feminist woman, the holiday did not elicit much thought beyond my excitement about free entry to museums and fun women-focused events. I enjoyed the day with a woman friend, and then promptly forgot about the holiday until a few days ago.

The concept of an international holiday devoted to women is both wonderful and sad. I can understand dedicating days to the expressed appreciation of those in our lives and that, as half of the population (the harder working, less valued half), a day of recognition honored by the world is a big deal. That said, as we are still the harder working, less valued half of the world, is this day a way to get around showing appreciation for and sharing work with women for the rest of the year? Or an aggressive denial of the still-current disparity of fairness between the sexes? Or a way to turn a blind eye to it?

This is not to say that hearing kind words and receiving good attention. It is also not to devalue the bond such a holiday can create between women, bringing them together to how their love for themselves and each other. It is simply recognition and response to today and to the world I have been set to make my way in.