In honour of International Women’s Day, Julie Burniston looks at the history of the event and some community heroines.
8th March marks International Women’s Day (IWD), 24 hours dedicated to honouring the achievements, contributions, and progress made by women around the world.
IWD has grown into a global movement, with individuals, organisations, governments, and communities participating in events, discussions, and initiatives which contribute to the ongoing fight for gender equality.
The day also offers a moment to reflect on the progress made in advancing women’s rights and equality while acknowledging the challenges that still persist. It serves as a call to action to address gender-based discrimination and promote inclusivity across all walks of life.
The evolution of International Women’s Day
IWD has roots in the early 20th century when women worldwide mobilised for their rights, marking a transformative chapter in history. Originating from the labour and women’s movements in North America and Europe, its inaugural National Women’s Day on February 28th, 1909, orchestrated by the Socialist movement in the United States, evolved into the globally recognised March 8th celebration.
The purpose of International Women’s Day
IWD is a multifaceted platform with diverse objectives. It celebrates achievements by acknowledging women’s contributions, raises awareness about gender-based challenges, and advocates for change, calling for policy reforms and challenging stereotypes. The day also inspires unity on a global scale, emphasising inclusivity in the pursuit of gender equality.
Moreover, it promotes empowerment, encouraging women to stand up for their rights and fostering a profound sense of self-worth.
Annual themes
Each year, IWD adopts a theme reflecting current global challenges and priorities in women’s rights. These themes guide discussions, events, and initiatives, creating collective momentum for positive change. The theme for this year’s IWD is ‘Inspire Inclusion’, which urges all individuals to collectively forge a more inclusive world for women, to understand and value women’s inclusion and to inspire women themselves to be included.
Our community heroines
As the world unites to celebrate the achievements of women, it’s crucial to shine a light on influential female figures who have made a significant impact, both globally and within local communities.
JLife spotlights some of the Jewish women from the north who have played pivotal roles in fields ranging from arts, and culture to business and politics, academia, social activism, and beyond.
Manchester icons
Arlene Phillips: Hailing from Prestwich, Arlene Phillips emerged as a groundbreaking choreographer in the 1970s. Her dance troupe, Hot Gossip, gained notoriety for their daring and, for those times, provocative dance routines. Later in her career, Arlene became a beloved figure as the amiable judge on the Strictly Come Dancing panel. In 2009, her departure from the show ignited a conversation about age discrimination against women, humorously leading her to be dubbed ‘Arlene-Phillips-66’ by the press, underscoring the frequency with which her age was juxtaposed with her name.
Emmeline Pankhurst (1858 – 1928): A luminary of the suffragette movement, Emmeline Pankhurst was a beacon of resilience and determination. Founder of the Women’s Franchise League and the Women’s Social and Political Union, she played a pivotal role in the struggle for women’s voting rights. Pankhurst’s unwavering commitment sparked a global wave of activism, leaving an enduring legacy of courage and leadership.
Maisie Mosco (1924 – 2011): Born in Oldham in 1924, Maisie was a prominent Jewish teacher, editor and writer who left an indelible mark on the city’s cultural landscape. With 16 novels and numerous stage plays to her name, Mosco enriched the literary world. Her role as editor of the Jewish Gazette solidified her as a chronicler of the Manchester Jewish community, preserving its stories and heritage for generations.
Louise Ellman: Manchester-born Louise became the Labour MP for Liverpool Riverside. As the chair of the Jewish Labour Movement and vice chair of Labour Friends of Israel, she was unafraid to confront critics of Israel in both Parliament and the media, as exemplified by her spirited exchange with author Michael Morpurgo on BBC’s Newsnight.
Leeds Luminaries
Kay Mellor: A Leeds-born writer, Kay Mellor has entertained the nation’s television viewers with her scripts for Coronation Street, Brookside, and the immensely popular ITV series, Fat Friends amongst others..
Gaynor Faye: Born Gaynor Faye Mellor, but known professionally as Gaynor Faye, the popular actress and writer played memorable roles in Coronation Street and Emmerdale. Her contributions to the world of television have left an enduring impact.
Augusta Landsman (1893 – 1966): Born in Leeds as Augusta Umanski, Landsman was the first woman to qualify from Leeds Medical School. Later, she became a pioneer in family planning and marriage guidance in London, leaving an indelible mark on the field.
Ann Sybille Rachlin MBE (1933 – 2023): A British musician, author of children’s books, and founder of ‘Fun with Music,’ Ann was an authority on Victorian actress Dame Ellen Terry and her daughter Edith Craig.
Samantha Simmonds: An English newsreader, television presenter, and journalist, Samantha was a news anchor for Sky News until July 2016. She later returned to presenting for BBC News in March 2017.
Judith Chapman: Lord Mayor of Leeds in 2015–2016, Judith Chapman played a significant role in the civic leadership of the city.
Helen Fielding: The acclaimed author of Bridget Jones’ Diary, Helen has captivated global audiences with her wit and storytelling. Her literary achievements, reaching readers in over 40 countries, have not only entertained but also provided a unique perspective on modern women’s experiences.