In many countries, International Women’s Day is a national holiday. But what would happen if every country stopped celebrating women for just one day? What would change?

This blog post looks at the history of International Women’s Day and what the world would be like if we all stopped to celebrate the achievements of women, even if just for one day.

Today is International Women’s Day – a day to celebrate the achievements of women around the world and to call for gender equality. This day has been celebrated since the early 1900s and is now recognized by countries worldwide. 

So what would happen if, one day, all women disappeared? How would the world change?

There would be an immediate impact on the workforce. Women comprise a large force in many countries, and their absence is felt acutely. Hospitals, schools, and businesses would have to adjust to cope with the loss of women employees. 

But it’s not just about the workforce. A world without women would be a very different place. From the food we eat to how our cities are designed, women are pivotal in shaping the world around us. 

On this International Women’s Day, let’s take a moment to reflect on the vital role women play in our world and commit to working towards gender equality.

The Journey is as Important as the Destination

International Women’s Day holds a special significance for us at Cuadra: it is both a celebration of the remarkable achievements of women around the world, as well as an opportunity to promote further progress towards gender equality. Diversity, inclusion, and collaboration have long been core values within our company culture, and honoring these values extends far beyond just this day. We understand that our mission to empower women and girls is ongoing – inspiring true transformation globally. As we recognize the women who have broken down barriers to pave new paths forward, we remain focused on ultimately helping everyone achieve equal success. That’s the spirit of International Women’s Day here at Cuadra.

 

Imagine a day without women

In recognition of the 1908 garment workers' strike, International Women's Day is celebrated annually in commemoration of this event. The Women’s March on Washington (2017) organized a walkout they named "A Day Without a Woman", an event intended to showcase the crucial roles women have in the economy and workplace and to advocate for gender equality. Through this strike, they sought to illustrate our society without female labor or consumers. About 51% of the world's population is female. 

Our company does not endorse violence or discrimination in any form. It supports the voice of our colleagues supporting this day.

Why is it important to commemorate this day?

On International Women's Day, we recognize the many accomplishments of women throughout history and around the world. This day provides an opportunity to shine a light on these contributions and work towards eliminating bias, discrimination, and inequity. 

Celebrating this particular day can collectively increase awareness of key societal issues to move closer to equality. Increasing visibility allows us to learn more about women's achievements to ultimately take actionable steps which will result in lasting change.

International Women's Day brings attention to the inequities female-focused organizations experience. It is a robust platform that raises awareness and helps ensure the necessary financial resources are available for their mission. Raising funds is instrumental in supporting women's empowerment groups, allowing them to work towards improving conditions for women worldwide. 

Although it may be difficult to achieve complete gender parity in the near future, it is still possible through collaborative efforts such as those made on International Women's Day. Doing so creates Hope for future generations to benefit from more equitable living experiences.