The history and importance of International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day has been a recognised and ongoing day of celebration and protest for more than 100 years. First celebrated in 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland, IWD has grown it’s reach to a widely global celebration; creating awareness and shining a light on some of the most important gender issues around the world.

||           “protest of 15,000 women”

1909 saw the first National Women’s Day across the USA, following the protest of 15,000 women who marched through New York City demanding shorter hours, better pay, and voting rights. During a conference of Working Women in 1910, Clara Zetkin – who was the leader of the Women’s Office for the Social Democratic Party in Germany – put forward the idea of an international day for women to be celebrated every year around the world; helping women to push for demands and equality.

||           “We’ve seen a lot change since 1909”

While it is important to encourage change and raise awareness of these issues that inhibit the progress of equality and women around the world, it is equally important to celebrate the achievements that have been made. We’ve seen a lot change since 1909, both with the advancement of equality and understanding the different challenges faced by our genders, and also with the changes to our attitudes. Many women are finding it easier to get into positions of power and male dominated industries that previously seemed impossible. STEM jobs have seen a growth in popularity with women, and over the years has developed into a far more welcoming environment to encourage women and girls into these great roles. We still see a majority of male workers in many sectors, however, more and more women are applying and progressing their careers in engineering and technical jobs.

||           “protest of 15,000 women”

The industry is working on reducing the skills gap, and with the help of hiring more women it continues to take great strides in improving their opportunities and removing the idea that technical engineering is solely for men. We are always looking for the ideal candidates to place into our roles, using their skills not gender to match them with their dream opportunities and clients. Highfield have a number of jobs incoming all the time, waiting for the perfect match to fill them. We aim to be the most trusted recruitment agency, which is demonstrated throughout our work as we treat you with honesty, transparency, and kindness. We understand what it’s like looking for a new job whether you’re starting new or pushing yourself further in your career, we can help you. Give us a call on 01489774010 and our friendly consultants can talk you through the process or guide you to the jobs we have. Alternatively, head to our website and go from there!

||           “many women can get back into a fulfilling career”

Highfield are proud to have many great women working with us, filling positions ranging along all levels across the office, from apprentice to mangers. We welcomed some amazing people coming off maternity leave, providing flexible working hours and remote working options to give more time to their families. The responsibility of care often falls to the women within families, making it far harder for them to return to work or have time for a healthy balance. This is why our 4-day work weeks are an important benefit. By having the chance to get an extra day off each week and not lose out on pay or work more hours in a compressed schedule, many women can get back into a fulfilling career with less worry and stress.

||           “retain these high level skills women can bring to the workforce”

It is important to support and care for each other, no matter who we are or what gender we define ourselves by. More understanding and flexibility to provide a healthy work-life balance is vital to retain these high level skills women can bring to the workforce. Further awareness of the issues faced within workplaces as well must not be ignored and this is why International Women’s Day will continue it’s long standing celebrations and protests in order to achieve a true equality and have women’s demands be heard, their safety protected, and their lives changed.