March 11th, 2013 
This year’s International Women’s Day was the most successful and celebrated thus far. More than ever before, the day was focused on educating and investing in women all over the world. In the U.S., companies like Google showed its support by changing its iconic logo for the day. A free movie screening in Washington D.C. played the independent film, We Women Warriors. In Houston, a book release party for HerStory: Fiction Honoring Women’s History Month recognized 27 women authors who represent the power all women have on their chosen fields. Even President Barack Obama made this statement in an address about International Women’s Day: “Empowering women isn’t just the right thing to do-it’s the smart thing to do. When women succeed, nations are more safe, more secure and are more prosperous.”
(Photo Credit–www.lipstiq.com)
The Huffington Post was also on board to to celebrate the day by interviewing several women journalists, activists and two authors in particular, Maaza Mengiste and Marie Arana, who were two of the people responsible for the groundbreaking film, Girl Rising. The inspiring film follows several girls in the undeveloped world, attempting to educate themselves against every odd.
Elsewhere in the country, International Women’s Day was also in full swing. At Northewestern’s Women’s Center in Chicago, former president of NOW, Karen DeCrow gave a speech to the crowd entitled “The Gender Agenda: Gaining Momentum”. In Austin, TX, celebratory poetry readings went on, while in Detroit, MI, high tea was served to the women who came to Socra Tea to celebrate.
(Photo Credit–www.pontio.co.uk)
All across the world, the celebration carried on as well. At Kabul International Airport in Afghanistan, women in the military were honored by the Gender Integration Committee. In Beijing, China, an Brunch Cook-Off was put on in order to benefit the Migrant Women’s Cooperative. In Kacyiru and Kigali, Rwanda, the Inema Art Center hosted an event benefiting the women artists of the country.
(Photo Credit–www.chicagonow.com)
Being a women in today’s world can mean many things. It could mean being a mother, a breadwinner, a sister, a daughter, a politician, an author, a chef, a soldier, a wife or all of these. Unfortunately, it can also mean little to no education, predjuice, violence, discrimination and a lack of a voice. Living in a world where such injustices against women exsist can be infuriating, but as we take a look back at 2013′s International Women’s Day, let us be grateful for the chances we have and put into action all of the movements for gender equality worldwide.
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