International Women's Day 2022
What is International Women’s Day?
For more than 100 years, International Women's Day has marked a day of celebration where people around the world come together to celebrate women’s rights and equality.
The event, previously known as National Women’s Day was first held in 1909 and sparked the inspiration to propose a ‘special Women’s Day’ to be organised annually in celebration of womanhood. As a result, International Women’s Day was first celebrated as an official international day on 19 March 1911.
What is the theme for International Women’s Day 2022?
The official theme for IWD 2022 is #BreakTheBias promoting the imagining of a world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination.
Gender Equality and Women in Equestrian
With 90% of coaches being female (British Equestrian Coaching Survey 2019) and equestrian sports being one of the only sports where men and women compete on equal terms and with equal prize money, it would a fair to say equestrian sports are trailblazers for gender equality in athletics. Sabrina Ibanez at the FEI summed it up perfectly
“The beauty of equestrian is that it is not a gender-affected sport that relies on the physical strength, stamina and physique of an athlete,”
Women have flourished in the various equestrian disciplines on the international stage over the years. Leading females figures such as our own gold medal winning Olympian Charlotte Dujardin have been wonderful for showcasing women in sport. Other notable equestriennes include three time Olympic gold medalist Monica Theodorescu, American Debbie McDonald and the incredible Kyra Kyrklund Finland's six time Olympian.
There is a great article by the FEI which is well worth a read. FEI: 100 years: Females at the Fore. It offers a great insight into the progress of women in equestrian sports over the past 100 years.
How to get involved in International Women’s Day 2022
1. Educate yourself
Understanding some of the challenges faced by women around the world is an important step in advocating for gender equality. Reading up on women throughout the world and throughout history who have made a difference is a great way to educate yourself further. Why not grab a book written by a female author this month or start a book club focusing on women’s issues and achievements.
Listening to a women-led podcast is a great alternative to reading. Many women activists and entrepreneurs use podcasts to share tips and educational advice to other women. They’re super entertaining and are a great way to spice up your commute to work or lunch break.
2. Support feminist businesses and charities
As a female led business we are passionate about supporting and empowering women, so why not support businesses that are women owned or operated to help contribute to equal economic empowerment and representation.
Alternatively, consider fundraising or donating to a charitable organisation supporting women, either locally or globally. IWD’s charities of choice include Catalyst, Womenkind Worldwide and Dress for Success. You can find out more about IWD charities on their website.
3. Share resources on social media
Social media is a powerful tool which can be used to share articles, infographics and publications. Use your social media to share stories about yourself, the women in your life and women who inspire you.
Or get in involved in the IWD #BreakTheBias social media campaign which involves taking a photo of yourself crossing your hands in an X and sharing it on your social media platform.
Remember to use the #IWD22 hashtag on the posts to join the conversation and be part of the change that you want to see!