On Friday, March 8, people around the world will celebrate International Womxn’s Day, a day to recognize the achievement of womxn from all countries and cultures, as well as the progress made towards equal rights.
The International Womxn’s Day official site states, “the future is exciting. Let’s build a gender-balanced world … from grassroots activism to worldwide action, we are entering an exciting period of history where the world expects balance. We notice its absence and celebrate its presence.”
International Womxn’s Day has been an annual tradition dating back to 1911, when it was first celebrated by over a million people in countries including Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. Since then, womxn and people of all backgrounds, cultures and countries have joined to celebrate their progress, and it has become a more mainstream event with increasingly vocal calls for equal rights by advocates around the world.
As American politics and society itself becomes more divided than ever, it is a relief to see many people coming together regardless of race, gender identity and sexuality. Events such as marches and festivals will be held across the country to celebrate the progress already made, as well as inspire action for bigger changes to come.
Celebrations will be held locally as well. At California State University, Monterey Bay, there will be two main events in honor of International Womxn’s Day. A spoken word performance by artist Freequency will be given at the Black Box Cabaret from 7:15 to 8 p.m. There is also an International Womxn’s Day road bike ride scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., which will teach participants about womxn empowerment through getting out and active.