March 8, 1911 marked the first celebrated International Women’s Day in many European nations as well as the United States. Women from around the globe gathered to talk about women’s rights and their place in society. From their historic presence in the Bible and contributions throughout history, to their movements in modern day society, many womens’ groups focused their energies around areas of substance, passion and purpose. Books were written, organizations were formed, many even sparked protests and debates that created lively conversation and shifts in the norm that some were not ready for.
When the economic depression of the 1930′s hit, women’s rights went out of fashion. It stayed dormant thru World War II and well into the 50′s. It wouldn’t be until dissatisfied middle class housewives of the 1960′s started to desire more, that the women’s movement began to see a new revival. It was thru the Women’s Liberation movement that women’s issues and women’s history blossomed again.
By the 1970′s, HIS-story was replaced with HER-story through women in the movement who aspired to reclaim their rightful places not only in the classroom textbooks and teachings here in America, but worldwide. This was a movement that united women from many social, economic, and cultural backgrounds into a common cause. Slowly but surely, celebrations went from one day, to one week, to our current one month of recognition and honoring.
Though the month is coming to an end, it’s never to late to celebrate! In honor of our beautiful and brave SHEro’s, inventors, movers, shakers, and the many strong and supportive women throughout history who either willingly took ten steps backwards so that the men in their lives could feel like they moved ten steps forward, J&O has dedicated a whole section of fabric to the essence of a woman. From fabric with a cause like our Breast Cancer Awareness inspired by the courageous First Lady Betty Ford, to designs that reflect all the fun and fanciful attributes of the feminine creature, a month just doesn’t seem long enough for all the possibilities in store. Celebrate women today, tomorrow , everyday!
