As women, we’ve come a long way—from fighting for the right to vote and fair wages, to breaking barriers in leadership, science, and entrepreneurship. It’s because of how far we’ve come that we mark March 8th to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD).
But IWD is more than just a celebration; it’s a reminder of the resilience, strength, and impact of women throughout history. It’s a day to recognize the milestones we’ve achieved, acknowledge the challenges that remain, and inspire action toward a future where women thrive on their own terms—values that are deeply embedded in Beauty in Us.
Today, we continue this work by empowering women to embrace their natural rhythms and redefine beauty on their own terms.
So, how did IWD come to be? Let’s go down memory lane.
The History of International Women’s Day
Back in the early 1900s, women were expected to stay in their place—one that often meant no vote, no financial independence, and little to no say in their futures. Higher education? Out of reach. Fair pay? Not even a conversation. Many worked grueling 12-hour shifts in unsafe factories, earning far less than men for the same labor. Others were locked out of opportunities altogether.
But women refused to accept this as their reality. Protests and strikes spread across cities as they demanded better wages, safer conditions, and the right to be heard. In 1909, the first National Women’s Day was marked in the U.S., inspired by garment workers fighting for fair treatment in New York.
A year later, at an international conference in Copenhagen, Clara Zetkin introduced a bold idea—an annual day dedicated to women’s rights, uniting women across borders in the fight for equality. March 8, 1911, saw the first International Women’s Day celebrated in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland, with over a million voices rallying for equal rights – demanding the right to vote, work, and hold public office.
Decades later, in 1975, the United Nations officially recognized International Women’s Day, solidifying it as a global call to action.
And here we are today—still pushing forward, still redefining what’s possible.
How International Women’s Day is Celebrated Worldwide
- Raising Voices & Taking Space – From peaceful marches to bold protests, women rally for their rights, demanding equality and representation.
- Empowering Conversations – Conferences, panels, and workshops spark dialogue on everything from leadership to self-care, shaping a future where women thrive.
- Honoring Women’s Impact – Art, music, and literature take center stage, celebrating the power of women’s creativity and contributions.
- Everyday Acts of Appreciation – Whether through small gestures or grand celebrations, communities uplift the women who inspire them daily.
Digital Movements that Matter – Social media platforms transform into spaces of empowerment, where stories, achievements, and calls for change reach the world.
No matter where we are or how we mark the day, one truth stands: women are unstoppable, and the fight for equality is ongoing.
Looking Ahead: The UN’s Goals for Women’s Empowerment
In the spirit of looking at what’s ahead of us, the United Nations has set ambitious goals for gender equality, focusing on real, lasting change.
By 2025 and beyond, the UN is working towards:
- Ending gender-based violence – Because safety should never be a privilege.
- Closing the pay gap – Equal work deserves equal pay, period.
- Supporting women in leadership – More women at decision-making tables means a better world for all of us.
- Recognizing unpaid care work – From caregiving to household labor, women’s contributions need to be valued.
Championing reproductive rights – Because every woman should have the right to make choices about her body.
Why Does International Women’s Day Still Matter?
Because, despite the strong fight we’ve put up, we are not there yet. IWD remains a significant reminder that there’s still work to do.
This year’s theme, Accelerate Action, is a reminder that change happens when we take action.
We still have to advocate for equal pay, mentor the next generation, and challenge outdated beauty standards. It’s also a reminder that equality isn’t just a women’s issue—it’s a movement that benefits everyone.
The United Nations continues to push for gender equality through initiatives that address economic inclusion, leadership representation, and safety for women worldwide. Their ongoing efforts highlight why this day is not just about celebration, but about driving meaningful progress.
How Beauty in Us Aligns with This Mission
International Women’s Day is more than a day of recognition—it is a call to honor and uplift women in all aspects of life. At Beauty in Us, we embrace this mission by redefining beauty as a journey of self-acceptance, nourishment, and empowerment.
For too long, beauty has been defined by impossible standards, but we believe true beauty lies in authenticity, self-care, and embracing our natural rhythms. Just as IWD challenges societal norms and advocates for equality, we are committed to helping women reconnect with their inherent strength and radiance.
Our mission aligns with IWD’s core values in tangible ways:
- Encouraging self-care as empowerment – Taking time to care for yourself is not indulgence; it’s a radical act of self-respect. Through personalized rituals and intentional well-being, we empower women to see self-care as a source of strength.
- Challenging unrealistic beauty ideals – Beauty is not about conforming to an external mold. We celebrate diversity, aging as a privilege, and skincare as a tool for confidence rather than correction.
- Supporting women in their unique journey – Every woman’s path is different, and we believe in honoring that individuality. Whether through mindful skincare, holistic well-being, or embracing change, we stand with women as they reclaim their beauty on their own terms.
Finally
IWD is more than a celebration—it’s a call to action, a reminder that progress is ongoing and that true empowerment begins from within. Today, we invite you to pause and reflect: What does empowerment mean to you? How do you honor yourself in your daily life?
At Beauty in Us, we believe empowerment starts with embracing your rhythms, prioritizing your well-being, and celebrating your unique journey.
Join our transformative community to access exclusive insights, offers, and FREE GUIDES designed to help you cultivate self-care, balance, and holistic well-being. Let’s continue redefining beauty and empowerment—together.
