International Women’s Day

Today is International Women’s Day, a global celebration for the economic, political and social achievements of women. You can find a list of related events, here. This holiday is a natural fit for those who acknowledge the divine as feminine. Here are just a few Pagan-friendly IWD events and stories.

Yulia Pushko writes about the rise of Ukrainian women in politics and the resulting embrace of pre-Christian national myths that acknowledge the woman as divine.

“As any emerging state, Ukraine has began to rediscover its historical memory and reconstruct its identity by reviving national myths. Ukrainians recall their matriarchal traditions, including the symbol of Berehynia – a pagan goddess presented in contemporary Ukrainian society as the mother and guardian of the nation. The high status of women in ancient Ukrainian society is described by Marian Rubchak in “Christian Virgin or Pagan Goddess”. She writes that among the early Slavs who populated Kievan Rus’ there is strong evidence that a matri-centric order existed that accorded women considerable influence and prestige.”

Canadian paper The Toronto Star encourages women to shop at a Wiccan-owned bookstore in honor of IWD.

“Holt is also a practicing Wiccan and she plans to expand the shop’s selection of books, tools and accessories devoted to the pagan religion. Despite its ancient roots, Wicca is relevant to the lives of modern women, she says. “It’s an earth-based religion, and reverence for the earth is hugely important for us as humans, to understand that the earth is part of us and we are part of the earth,” she says, explaining that environmental activism is a natural extension of Wiccan beliefs.”

Feminist Buddhist Sandy Boucher (author of “Discovering Kwan Yin, Buddhist Goddess of Compassion”) will be given an award today in Bangkok for her work to change the male-dominated face of American Buddhism.

“Boucher will receive her award in Bangkok, Thailand, where numerous women from around the world are being honored for using social justice and religion to bring attention to the plight of Buddhist women internationally. The event is held annually in Thailand to spotlight women’s suffrage in predominantly Buddhist Southeast Asia.”

Manitoba native leaders use the opportunity of IWD to call attention to the struggles of aboriginal women across Canada.

“While people of all backgrounds can go missing after living on the streets of Canada’s major cities, many of those who have disappeared are aboriginal. Amnesty International Canada has called on governments and native groups to publicly condemn the high rates of violence against indigenous women and take action. Statistics Canada reported last year that native people were three times more likely to be victims of domestic violence.”

However you acknowledge this day, let us not forget that the struggle of women to receive true equality and respect in every part of the world is far from over and victory isn’t assured. So lets keep fighting to ensure women can have control over their own destinies both locally and around the world. Let every woman be seen as divine!

Tags: Neopaganism