International Women's Day: One Day Later

By: Ema Brazdeikyte

Here’s to the women who are told they need to change to fit into society’s narrow-minded view of femininity. Here’s to the women who face discrimination because of their skin colour – you are beautiful. Here’s to the women who never stop studying and those who want to stop – proving you are capable of making your own decisions. Here’s to all the women: you are strong and capable of many great things.

Yesterday, was “International Women’s Day”, a day to celebrate all the amazing women in the world and to applaud the successes that brought us closer to equality. The theme for this year is “Make It Happen.” But how did this all begin? Well, the first International Women’s Day started in New York, 1909. The Socialist Party of America organized it and they designated this day to remember the 1908 garment worker’s strike where women went on a strike to protest against their working conditions. In 1910, the Socialist International created Women’s Day to honour the movement for women’s rights. Although we have come a long way, there are still parts in the world where women don’t have equal pay. Women are still the majority of victims that experience sexual and domestic violence. Women’s bodies are still a constant subject for discussion, disrespect and objectification – just look at some of the most popular gossip magazines.

Women have come a long way with accomplishments such as earning the right to vote and having opportunities to lead businesses and countries, however the movement is not over. There is still a lot more that can be done.

Not all of us have the opportunities to speak out about women’s rights but there are other small ways to celebrate International Women’s Day- like watching movies! Specifically, movies about strong women played by strong women. Check out one (or all) of the following movies down below.

Fargo (1996)

Frances McDormand plays Marge Gunderson in the movie Fargo (she actually won an Oscar for her performance). Marge is one of the most memorable characters of the whole film. Don’t let her nice accent and late-stage pregnancy fool you because she is one of the best movie cops out there.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Katniss. Everdeen. Need I say more?

In A World…

This witty comedy was actually written and directed by the star of the movie, Lake Bell. This movie is about a woman who wants to become a voice actor for movie trailers and it shows her try to break into a male dominated industry.


So let's take International Women's Day, and all of the great accomplishments of women everywhere, as a time to celebrate and show the world the truth that has always existed: women are great!

For more great film reviews, check out the posts from Josh Volkers, our resident film critic.