International Women's Day celebrates achievements of women worldwide

OMAHA, Neb. (KPTM) — International Women's Day celebrates the achievements of women worldwide, according to nationaldaycalendar.com.

The day takes place on March 8 during National Women's History Month.

The day also brings awareness to issues women face such as gender equality.

Gender equality is equal access to the same opportunities and rights no matter the gender.

Examples from around the world include:

• Healthcare
• Education
• Employment
• Pay
• Protection under the law
• Right to vote
• Free from violence

It wasn't until 1916 that a female was voted into Congress in the United States. That woman was Montana Republican Jeanette Rankin.

As of the year 2020, only 23.7 percent of the U.S. Congressional seats are held by women. This matches the average around the world for women in political offices.

In a lot of the world, women are less likely to be educated, own a business, or own land.

The United Nations said more than half of the world's poorest people are in fact women.

With this being said, it is extremely important to bring gender equality and other issues for women to the forefront.

How to participate in International Women's Day:

• Attend a women's march
• Learn about women's history
• Attend local events put on or about women
• Celebrate National Women's History Month
• Use #InternationalWomensDay on social media to share how you celebrated

The day has been celebrated since the early 1900s because women started vocalizing their opinions and becoming more politically active, said the website.