International Women's Day was celebrated in communities throughout the world. Women were honored; their achievements and sacrifices noted. Even in Bakersfield, a Central California city known for its conservatism, this occurred. Seven local women were recognized at a dinner for their unique and inspiring contributions. You can read about it at http://tinyurl.com/ WomenHonored International Women's Day is the story of ordinary women as makers of history. It is rooted in the centuries-old struggle of women to participate in society on an equal footing. The idea of an International Women's Day first arose at the turn of the century, a period of industrialization, expansion, turbulence, booming population growth and urban poverty, and humanist cries of hope and protest. Like many things, this started in America. On March 8, 1857 women from New York City's clothing and textile factories protested poor working conditions and low wages. The protesters were attacked and dispersed by police. The first National Woman's Day was observed across the United States in 1909. In 1975, the United Nations began sponsoring International Women's Day. If your community did not organize an International Woman’s Day event this year, start planning for one next year. If women don’t recognize and honor women, who will? Dianne Hardisty Bakersfield, Calif. www.svs2help.com
