March 8th: INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

The idea about an annual day with a focus on women’s rights and equality, had its beginning in 1910, in Copenhagen. However, the actual date – March 8th – was first set in 1921 and have since internationally been a day concerning equality between the sexes and the challenges women face. All over the world the day is marked by debates, happenings, demonstrations, concerts, festivities and amazing stories.

At the Human Library we also believe in equality for all – regardless of race, faith, gender, sexuality or social status. We are convinced this happens through dialogue which builds a greater understanding of ourselves and others – especially each other’s differences and challenges. Despite a lot of progress on the area of equality, it remains an important topic.

Noura – a volunteer book at the Human Library in Denmark, with the titles Feminist and Syrian Refugee– defines the importance of an ongoing conversation about equality:

“I discovered feminism in Syria, then I grew and developed as a feminist in Denmark and that gave me the chance to compare and learn from the experience and Women’s struggle in both worlds. In the human library I can talk to people about what I have learned in both of my homes. The struggle between being a Middle Eastern feminist is harder especially in a country like Syria where women’s issues, equality and prevention of violence against women are constant issues that are being pushed back. Here in Denmark we are not under the same pressure, but still have the same goals with equal pay and prevention of violence. It is also hard for them (ie. The Danish readers) to conceive that even in the Scandinavian utopia, we still struggle. I spent a lot of time talking to women and hearing their stories and those stories are why we all need feminism.”

Our message is clear: keep the conversation going!

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