The world celebrates the women’s rights movement every 8 March on a day called International Women’s Day (IWD), which focuses on various women-related issues like gender equality and violence against women, among others.
The celebration can be traced back to as early as 28 February 1909, when a women’s day event was organised by the Socialist Party of America in New York City, which then inspired the proposal of an annual women’s day during the 1910 International Socialist Women’s Conference in Copenhagen.
The IWD began to be celebrated every 8 March by the socialist movement and communist countries after the 1917 Russian Revolution. It was then adopted by the global feminist movement in the late 1960s, before becoming mainstream global celebration after being promoted by the United Nations in 1977.
In Macau, various communities and organisations also celebrate the day. Here are some thoughts of the observance from some Macau women.
SANDRA ALVES (Hotelier and Travel Content Creator)
Sandra Alves, a Macau resident who has lived in Europe for many years, working in the hotel industry, told Good News Macau, “Today is a day to honour all women in our lives and appreciate them for all the value, love and support they add to any environment they are in.”
She added, “I’d like to see more women to be fearless, go out and get what they want, be proud of themselves, and believe they can achieve anything they put their mind to.”
FATHIMA ‘PAJI’ MOHAMED (YouTuber, Outcasts from the 853)
Macau-born Paji grew up attending Chinese-language schools. Today, she and fellow Macau-born Iasmin Lumibao co-host their YouTube channel “Outcasts from the 853” from the United States. To Paji, the IWD means “unity [among women], respect, awareness and appreciation of women’s rights”. She stressed, “It’s important to acknowledge how far women have come.”
Paji also said: “I would like to see more love and unity among women, women helping women … have support for one another.”
BONITA ADELA (Baker)
“The International Women’s Day is a day where we can appreciate all women from all walks of life for their contributions in different fields. And every woman needs to be respected and loved regardless of their social status. I also wish every woman in the world could see their own value.”
CATARINA COTTINELLI (Artist and Head of Delegation of the Orient Foundation in Macau)
“This year’s IWD’s theme is ‘Inspire Inclusion’ and we hope that women can be part of the future as they are part of the beginning by giving life to human beings. It is also important to remember on this day those who have fought to promote women’s rights and gender equality. Women have the responsibility to make the world better and more equal for all of us. I’d like to see more respect for those that still must fight for basic human rights. We have to stand up for all the others around the world.”
MAI NGUYEN (Homemaker)
Vietnam-born Mai Nguyen has been living in Macau for many years now, with her husband and their two daughters.
She said: “Today is a day that celebrates us women and reminds people of the important role we play in today’s society.”
Nguyen added, “I wish every woman to be accepted by everyone regardless of religion, race or culture. I also wish them to stay positive, confident and happy.”
GINA AWEED (Domestic Worker and Activist for Indonesian migrant workers in Macau)
“The International Women’s Day should remind us, women, that we are equal to men and we can do things that men can too in various fields. I hope that women will continue to be treated equally despite the differences between men and women.”
ELIZABETH LEI (Pastor)
Elizabeth Lei was a teacher for many years before switching profession to serve a local church as a preacher, as well as a pastor for the church’s English-speaking community.
She said: “A woman’s day is a celebration of how God has created women to be beautiful not only on the outside but also on the inside, with the inner strength and wisdom that God has given to women. So for me, it’s time also for us to give thanks to God as every woman has been created uniquely.”
Lei added, “It is also a day to honour our mothers, sisters and female friends. My hope for all women is that we can all be more confident to live out our destiny designed by God and to partner with Godly men to make a positive and healthy impact on society.” (Gilbert Humphrey)
Photos: Courtesy of the women interviewed in this article, Hannah Busing
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