In a vibrant tribute to International Women’s Day (IWD) on Friday, Google Doodle marked the occasion by commemorating the strides made towards gender equality. Illustrated by Doodle artist Sophie Diao, the doodle acknowledged the significant progress achieved while reflecting on the historical significance of March 8th.
The date holds historical importance as it marks the first celebration of International Women’s Day by the United Nations in 1975. The doodle’s description highlighted the origins of IWD, pointing to two early demonstrations in Saint Petersburg and New York City. Despite occurring in different years and locations, these rallies shared common goals of advocating for gender equality, encompassing fair employment, voting rights, and the ability to hold public office.
The description emphasised that modern IWD marches concentrate on contemporary challenges, including gender and racial wage gaps, reproductive rights, and the prevention of violence against women. Google Doodle underscored the celebration of women who have transformed society, championed equality, and set inspiring examples for people worldwide.
The doodle acknowledged the courageous acts of women throughout history, emphasising that the progress witnessed today wouldn’t be possible without the efforts of those who came before. It recognised International Women’s Day as a pivotal annual event, serving as a cornerstone for celebrating women’s accomplishments, advancing discussions on gender equality, advocating for faster progress towards parity, and mobilising resources for women-centric initiatives.
The symbolic colours associated with International Women’s Day, purple, green, and white, each carry unique significance. Purple symbolises justice and dignity, green represents hope, and white, though debated, signifies purity.
In a closing note, the doodle paid tribute to those who paved the way and those currently carrying the torch, extending warm wishes for International Women’s Day. The article also touched on the symbolic significance of the colours associated with the day, linking them to themes explored in Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, ‘The Color Purple,’ which delves into the intersectionality of race, gender, and identity in the early 20th-century South.
