International Women's Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, and also marking a call to action for accelerating women's equality.
At YOKO we believe that behind every successful woman is herself, so today we take the opportunity to rethink the capability and contribution of women. As Michelle Obama said once, ‘there is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish’.
A bit of history
The very first International Women’s Day was held on the 19th of March 1917, being recognized in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. It was later celebrated officially by the UN in 1975.
According to the United Nations, International Women's Day started in America in 1909, when the Socialist Party of America took to the streets to honor garment workers who had protested against inhumane working conditions the year before. They called it National Women's Day, and it took place on February 28.
In the same way that Mother's Day doubles as a sort of women's appreciation day, the two holidays are combined in some countries, including Serbia, Albania, Macedonia, and Uzbekistan.
Women in translation
There are prominent female figures in just about every field imaginable, and the language field is no different. Throughout history, there has been many groundbreaking and inspirational women who have bridged language gaps and worked to improve intercultural understandings across time and geography.
Apart from that, according to 2020 research published by the European Commission, women account for over 75% of independent language professionals and about 55% of language company employees. This research includes responses from 45 countries worldwide.
2022 campaign theme
International Women’s Day camping theme for this year is #BrakeTheBias in order to create awareness of how we're all responsible for our own thoughts and actions, so it’s in our hands to create a world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination, where we value and celebrate difference.
The UN also issued a 2022 theme: "Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow." The UN's 2022 theme celebrates girls and women who are leading the charge toward a more sustainable future, and climate change response efforts.
Today, once again, we join people around the world in celebrating and rethinking women’s achievements as part of International Women’s Day.
At YOKO we are thankful for those amazing women who have marked the history of translation and continue to inspire us every day in what we do, but also to the incredible women that are part of this team and makes us who we are every day.