Lemonade To Lace

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Let's Celebrate International Women's Day!

Barbara Eskowitz

As Spring of 2019 approaches, it feels more important than ever to celebrate the power of women. So, mark your calendars: Friday, March 8th is International Women’s Day all over the world! This year, celebrants are encouraged to reflect on a theme of #BalanceforBetter. That means we’ll strive for balance in the workplace, balance at home, balance in education and balance in pop culture. After all, balance is a beautiful thing!

Of course, we’ve come a long way over the years, and there are many people and moments to honor. For over a hundred years, March 8th has been a day designated for women. Its purpose differs from country to country, city to city and place to place. In most countries, it’s a way to celebrate women’s accomplishments and gender equality, launch new initiatives and raise awareness. The day is supported and celebrated globally by governments, industries, educational institutions, community groups, charities and nonprofits, as well as the media. Together, every person and all demographics can make a difference within their group by taking concrete action to help build a more gender-balanced world. Gender balance will take teamwork, but I know our communities are up for the challenge.

When I began researching this topic, I stumbled upon some historical trivia and tidbits that I thought you’d enjoy, too.

  1. INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY BEGAN MORE THAN 100 YEARS AGO. Hard to believe, but when the first International Women’s Day was held, more than 1 million people in Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Denmark took part.

  2. THE UNITED NATIONS OFFICIALLY ADOPTED INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY IN 1975. Since March 8, 1975, the UN has been the primary sponsor the of the annual event. They have encouraged other countries to embrace the holiday and its goal of celebrating “acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities.”

  3. INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY IS AN OFFICIAL HOLIDAY IN DOZENS OF COUNTRIES. March 8th is a celebration around the world and an official holiday in dozens of countries. Afghanistan, Armenia, Cambodia, Cuba, Russia, Ukraine and Vietnam are just some of the places where International Women’s Day is recognized as an official holiday.

  4. EACH YEAR’S FESTIVITIES HAVE AN OFFICIAL THEME. Remember how this year’s theme is #BalanceforBetter? The theme for 2017 was #BeBoldforChange and the 2016 theme was #PledgeforParity. Talk about hashtags that celebrate HER!

So, how to celebrate in style? A t-shirt says a thousand words. The slogan tee has been back on top ever since Dior’s Maria Grazia Chiuri sent a t-shirt down the runway which read, “We should all be feminists.” To ensure you look the part in the international celebration of women this year, here are some slogan tees that are perfect to pair with your most comfortable, confidence-driving denim.

2019 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY #BALANCEFORBETTER T-SHIRT

THIS GIRL CAN T-SHIRT

VER FIERCE T-SHIRT

THE FUTURE IS FEMALE T-SHIRT

FEMME AND FIERCE T-SHIRT

GIRL POWER T-SHIRT

SELF LOVE IS THE BEST LOVE T-SHIRT

NEW APP TO CHECK OUT:

FINDSISTERHOOD

FindSisterhood is a completely anonymous app for everyone that identifies as women to share about all the issues and questions they might be having on motherhood, infertility, relationships, miscarriage and all topics that are common to women. It is untraceable, safe and judgement free. Their mission statement? Empowered women empower women. It is a place for women to come together to support and help each other. Being able to talk to other women without revealing your identity has played a big part in the app’s success. The thought of knowing that someone out there is going through the same thing or something similar is sometimes enough to get you through the day and give you the strength to move forward.

8 FIERCE US FEMALE CHEFS TO WATCH IN THE CULINARY INDUSTRY

Dominique Crenn of Atelier Crenn in San Francisco (first woman in the United States to receive Michelin’s highest distinction of three stars)

In a perfect Lemonade To Lace world, my goal with each blog post is to give you one new thing to think about and add to your repertoire of tidbits that you already know. If you learn something from reading each of my posts, then I know I’ve done my job. This blogging experience and the sharing of information helps me learn along the way, too! This time around, I didn’t have much knowledge about International Women’s Day until my friend Jenna brought it to my attention. What I’ve learned has reinforced what I did know: I know that everyone has a part to play in the future of our world, everywhere and all the time. I also know that balance drives a better working world. Ask any leader or business executive. Let’s all build a gender-balanced world together and help create a #BalanceforBetter. Girlfriends, let’s do this!

Smooch!

xx Barbara