Happy International Women's Day

As we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of International Women’s Day, the question I pose is: What is the origin of this celebration?

International Women's Day is the story of ordinary women as makers of history; it is rooted in the centuries old struggle of women to participate in society on an equal footing with men. It was first celebrated on March 19, 1911 then moved to March 8 thereafter.  A million women and men rallied in support of women's rights on that first International Women's Day. The idea first arose at the turn of the century, which in the industrialized world was a period of expansion and turbulence, booming population growth and radical ideologies.

International Women’s Day is a day that brings women on all continents, often divided by national boundaries and by ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic and political differences, and come together to celebrate their Day. They can look back to a tradition that represents at least nine decades of struggle for equality, justice, peace and development.

I am glad to be associated with this important day in the lives of Women. So, I take this opportunity to raise a toast to the women in my life who are a blend of many special qualities I admire. The first toast goes to my loving mum. I have made it this far because of her guidance. We’ve not hard the fairy tale relationship that one expects between mother and daughter, but we’ve managed to go through life together. Thanks mum for not giving up on me. I love you so much.

The second toast goes to the girls. Wow! Thank you for your friendship. Good friends are rare to find and I consider myself lucky to have you in my life. This is too all the laughter, tears, good and bad times we’ve shared together and many more to come.

As we celebrate the women and mostly the ones in our lives. I want to remember my country Kenya. On the eve of the centennial International Women’s Day, Infotrak released a poll stating that 60% of Kenyans would vote for a woman president. Things are really changing because years back this was unbelievable. In 1997 Water Minister Charity Ngilu and Prof Wangari Maathai vied for the top seat but lost. However after the Infotrak poll, there’s a ray of hope. Ms Martha Karua is the only woman in Kenya who has declared her intention to vie for the presidency in the next year’s elections. May be this could be the change we are looking for. I wish her all the best.

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY!!!

N/B: I am glad to be posting my first post on International Women’s Day J