We CAN Do It!

Gloria Steinem reportedly once said The story of women's struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist, nor to any one organisation but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights.

March 8 we celebrate International Woman’s Day.  Officially recognised by the UN in 1975 its origins date back 200 years to Abigail Smith Adams, first lady to President John Adams who wrote 'Remember the Ladies' letter on March 31 urging that women's rights and protections be considered by Congress when drafting laws for the newly independent nation of America namely, the Declaration of Independence.

It took time for women to achieve recognition and acknowledgement for their contributions to society. On March 19, 1911 over one million attended rallies in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. In 1922 Vladimir Lenin declared March 8 International Working Women’s Day, honouring women's role in 1917 Russian Revolution. And in 1922 China first celebrated IWD, recognising it as a national holiday (for women only) in 1949. Other countries followed suit. In 1980 President Carter proclaimed the week of March 8 'National Women's History Week’, 200 years after Abigail’s letter!

IWD celebrates the achievements of women and is a call to action to advance gender equality.  This year’s theme is ‘accelerate action’. The poster above was commissioned by Westinghouse Electric in 1943 to boost morale of their female workers. Painted by JH Miller it is titled ‘We Can Do It!’ and is frequently confused with ‘Rosie the Riveter’ painted by Norman Rockwell used for military recruitment. In those days management sent messages to staff on bulletin boards in hallways and cafeterias. This woman symbolises determination, strength and unity. To me, it is also a reminder that Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.  Helen Keller

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9