What is International Women’s Day?
International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. It is also a day for us to work on accelerating gender parity.
No one government, NGO, charity, corporation, academic institution, women’s network or media hub is solely responsible for International Women’s Day. Many organizations declare an annual IWD theme that supports their specific agenda or cause, and some of these are adopted more widely with relevance than others. International Women’s Day is a collective day of global celebration and a call for gender parity.
International Women’s Day is all about unity, celebration, reflection, advocacy and action – whatever that looks like globally at a local level. But one thing is for sure, International Women’s Day has been occurring for well over a century – and continue’s to grow from strength to strength.
Fun Facts about International Women’s Day
IWD is an official holiday in many countries including Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, China (for women only), Cuba, Georgia, Guinea-Bissau, Eritrea, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Madagascar (for women only), Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Nepal (for women only), Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam and Zambia. The tradition sees men honouring their mothers, wives, girlfriends, colleagues, etc with flowers and small gifts. In some countries IWD has the equivalent status of Mother’s Day where children give small presents to their mothers and grandmothers.
International Women’s Day 2020 campaign theme is #EachforEqual
An equal world is an enabled world. Individually, we’re all responsible for our own thoughts and actions – all day, every day. We can actively choose to challenge stereotypes, fight bias, broaden perceptions, improve situations and celebrate women’s achievements. Collectively, each one of us can help create a gender equal world.
#EachforEqual is about ‘Collective Individualism’
The IWD 2020 campaign theme is drawn from a notion of ‘Collective Individualism’.
We are all parts of a whole. Our individual actions, conversations, behaviors and mindsets can have an impact on our larger society. Collectively, we can make change happen. Collectively, we can each help to create a gender equal world.
How can you support #EachforEqual
International Women’s Day 2020: Each for Equal
Put your arms out front and STRIKE THE #EachforEqual POSE to motivate others and to make International Women’s Day YOUR day. With the our technology, spread it on your social media and everywhere. Do what you can to truly make a positive difference for women everywhere.
Celebrate International Women’s Day in Singapore
The Ladies Cue has curated a few activities you can join to celebrate IWD in Singapore. Check them out and don’t forget the promo codes!
1. Watch Am I Old? By Comedian Sharul Channa
What happens when a 68-year-old woman tries her hand at stand-up comedy for the first time? Her inhibitions are lowered, the truth is spoken, and all hell breaks loose.
Savitri, a retired school teacher, attempts jokes about unrequited love, being a caregiver, and of course, coming to terms with ageing.An irrepressibly charming character essayed by Sharul Channa (Nominee, Best Actress, The Straits Times, Life! Theatre Awards 2020), delivering her unique brand of dark comedy that tackles social issues, Am I Old will force us to face some difficult questions of our own to do with Singapore’s ageing population.
There will be a talk back session at the end of the show with a member of aware, a family caregiver and an elderly person.
Get a 10% discount on your tickets with the promo code AWARE10.
Get your tickets here.
2. Attend International Women’s Day Music & Market
International Women’s Day! Come join female DJs, live entertainment, entrepreneurs, makers and creators this IWD! Enjoy music, tasty food and refreshing drinks in the historic surrounds of Kult Yard while promoting gender equality and women’s rights by raising money for Aware Singapore.
More details here.
3. Women Make Film by The Projector
Kicking off this showcase in International Women’s Month in March 2020 – don’t miss this year-round series of films specially curated to give a shout out to all women making films under our ‘Women Make Film’ programme.
This March don’t miss a special video call Q&A session with the Director of ANTIGONE, Sophie Deraspe for the 13 March screening. And a post-show panel discussion with Singapore women filmmakers & producers after the screening of HALF THE PICTURE on 14 March.
Get your tickets here.
4. Women in Politics: Power, Stereotypes and the Challenges of Public Life
In Singapore, only 24% (24 of 100) of current Members of Parliament are women. This is below the 30% benchmark often identified as the necessary level of representation to achieve a “critical minority”, rather than a token few individuals. It goes without saying that this figure also fails to proportionately represent women in Singapore, who make up half of the nation’s population.
In her speech on International Women’s Day last year, Manpower Minister Josephine Teo called for a “concerted effort” to encourage women to enter politics. Yet women politicians still face higher barriers and more gendered social expectations than men do – as made clear by the recent case of a female MP’s photograph being doctored in a sexual manner.
Can there be a level playing field for women in politics? How can we address underlying gender inequalities and the sexism that women politicians have to deal with on an everyday basis? Join AWARE for this panel event, where we speak to NMP Anthea Ong, MP Sylvia Lim and MP Tin Pei Ling about their experiences navigating the local political scene.
Get your tickets here.
More information on how to support International Women’s Day, details can be found here.
How Is The Ladies Cue Celebrating IWD?
The Ladies Cue believes in empowering ladies in #knowyourworth and work towards the journey of self love. We believe in the power of a positive community – with a snap of finger – we cue each other to take time out for themselves for self care and upgrading.
The Ladies Cue Panel Discussion on #KnowYourWorth (Left to Right): Jenny Lee, Alia Demelda Sharma, Gayathri Segaran, Michelle Hon
In the month of March 2020, we have come up with 2 main initiatives for ladies to work on self mastery in the various aspects of their lives.
1. Webinar: Work-Life Balance, Is It A Myth?
If you are looking to explore various channels of passive income for yourself, or looking to become a #bossbabe or #momboss, this webinar is for you! Learn from the 5 speakers about how you can make a difference in 2020 by gaining access to valuable tips on building your career without compromising the quality of life of your loved ones.
You are now able to tune into the webinar and learn from the comfort of your homes.
- “Work-Life Balance: Is it a Myth?” by Jenny Lee
- “Discover The Lady Boss in You” by Kenneth Choo
- “Get Your MBA with The Chill Mom” by Michelle Hon
- “The Profitable Drop Shipping Model” by May Ng
- “Unlock Your Intuition” by Dennis Chua
Learn more here.
2. New Column: Fempreneurs Interview Series
In light to celebrate each other’s achievements, we will be featuring female entrepreneurs (Fempreneurs in short) who show us the power of perseverance and hard work. Learn from them on their mindset, their habits and even their role models. Have a sneak peek on their thinking processes and their journey! So, watch this space regularly for this new column.
If you are a Fempreneur, give us a holla at hello@theladiescue.com or send us a DM on Instagram or Facebook!