Organizers of International Women’s Day 2022 (IWD) are asking the world to imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated.
“Together we can forge women’s equality. Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias,” said the organization’s website.
The theme for IWD 2022 is #BreakTheBias and lands on March. 8.
“In the early 1900s, oppression and inequality were pushing women to become more vocal and active in campaigning for change. At the International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen in 1910, Clara Zetkin, leader of the Women’s Office for the Social Democratic Party in Germany, tabled the idea of an International Women’s Day. She proposed that every year in every country, there should be a celebration on the same day to press for change. The conference of more than 100 women from 17 countries, representing unions, socialist parties and working women’s clubs, and International Women’s Day was born,” said a Feb. 28 press release from the Ontario Nurses’ Association.
The association said whether deliberate or unconscious, bias makes it difficult for women to move ahead. Knowing that bias exists isn’t enough. Action is needed to level the playing field.
“We are all responsible for breaking the bias against women: in our communities, in our workplaces, in our schools, colleges and universities. In 2022, we are committed to calling out bias, smashing stereotypes, breaking inequality, and rejecting discrimination,” said the association.
Organizers are asking you to cross your arms to show solidarity.
“Strike the IWD 2022 pose and share your #BreakTheBias image, video, resources, presentation or articles on social media using #IWD2022 #BreakTheBias to encourage further people to commit to helping forge an inclusive world,” said organizers. “We can break the bias in our communities. We can break the bias in our workplaces. We can break the bias in our schools, colleges and universities. Together, we can all break the bias – on International Women’s Day (IWD) and beyond. So strike the IWD #BreakTheBias pose with your arms crossed to show your commitment to calling out bias, smashing stereotypes, breaking inequality, and rejecting discrimination.
IWD is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality. IWD has occurred for well over a century, with the first IWD gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people. Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere. IWD is not country, group or organization specific.
Toronto IWD 2022 Virtual Rally: Join the virtual rally on Saturday, March 5 at 1 p.m. EST via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/IWDToronto) or YouTube (https://bit.ly/2022iwdtoronto.) Visit the IWD Toronto website for more information.
