- #SheInspiresMe: Twitter celebrates Inspiring Women for International Women’s Day 2018
- A special emoji to honor women around the world
“We’re all union people, only we don’t seem to remember it. This world is one big union, and us children were taught very early that united we stand and divided we fall, and that’s just what we girls are demanding-the right to be united”
― Theresa Serber Malkiel, The Diary of a Shirtwaist Striker: A Story of the Shirtwaist Makers’ Strike in New York.
These words of Theresa Malkiel have gained more relevance today. She first led a protest by women garment workers in New York back in March 8, 1857. The first international Women’s Day celebration by the United Nations happened in 1975. 2 years later, the UN General Assembly proclaimed March 8 as UN Day for women’s rights.
At a time when female voices are rising and coming together all over the world, from #TimesUp to #MeToo to #WomensMarch social movements, International Women’s Day on 8 March is a global moment to celebrate women and their impact on society. In the last 6 months, there has been a 50% increase in conversations around women’s rights on Twitter, such as feminism and gender equality. The #MeToo movement has garnered more than 8 million Tweets from Twitter users in more than 67 countries since it first started sweeping across the world in October 2017.
The first Tweet made by Hollywood actress and activist, Alyssa Milano (@alyssa_milano), started an outpouring confessions from women who have braved harassment and abuse.
“If you’ve been sexually harassed or assaulted write ‘me too’ as a reply to this tweet.”
If you’ve been sexually harassed or assaulted write ‘me too’ as a reply to this tweet. pic.twitter.com/k2oeCiUf9n
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) October 15, 2017
“Not a day has passed that I haven’t thought about it. And every time I do, my heart pounds and I scare myself almost to tears. #MeToo”
Not a day has passed that I haven't thought about it. And every time I do, my heart pounds and I scare myself almost to tears. #MeToo
— Ingrid Manalo (@ingstagram) October 16, 2017
“#MeToo. But I always fight back. I choose not to be a victim.”
https://twitter.com/margadeona/status/919872153452814336
In the Philippines, Pilipinas Got Talent judge Angel Locsin (@143redangel) voiced her opinion against the apparent objectification of women when a scantily clad group of women performed their audition during the March 3, 2018 episode. Netizens on Twitter applauded the actress for standing her ground and relaying an important message to everyone on national TV.
“No doubt that Angel Locsin is one of the greatest actresses in Philippine television. A strong woman who is not only pretty but also beautiful outside and with substance too. What sets her apart from others is her stand for women rights. Women should be respected #PGTSuperFiesta”
https://twitter.com/dream_pearl_/status/969914225719107584
“Angel Locsin has always used her platform for good. She is not only a women’s rights advocate, but an advocate of the rights of the oppressed in general. This is not the first time she addressed an issue like this. I commend you!
Abante, Babae!”
Angel Locsin has always used her platform for good. She is not only a women's rights advocate, but an advocate of the rights of the oppressed in general. This is not the first time she addressed an issue like this. I commend you!
Abante, Babae!
— Prince (@prince_turtogo) March 3, 2018
In honor of International Women’s Day 2018, Twitter has launched a special golden emoji in the shape of the female gender symbol as an ode to the modern woman who is confident and expressive. Available throughout the month of March, the emoji will appear when the following hashtags are used in Tweets:
- Filipino: #ArawNgKababaihan
- English: #IWD2018, #InternationalWomensDay, #WomensDay, #SheInspiresMe, #PositionOfStrength
As the preferred platform for real-time conversations, Twitter draws together growing global movements of ordinary Filipinas in various fields such as media, entertainment, politics and education; making people able to #SeeEverySide of their stories. Twitter has enabled many Filipino women to speak up, proving that every day can be #ArawNgKababaihan.
“For much of my growing-up years, my mother was a single mother. I curse anyone and everyone that sees women like her as “less than.””
For much of my growing-up years, my mother was a single mother. I curse anyone and everyone that sees women like her as "less than."
— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) May 3, 2017
“The pen is mightier than the sword. And apparently, strong women are a threat.”
The pen is mightier than the sword. And apparently, strong women are a threat. https://t.co/gSFvn9B4N9
— Karen Davila (@iamkarendavila) February 21, 2018
#SheInspiresMe celebrations on Twitter
In celebration of International Women’s Day, Twitter presents a series of activities across the Asia Pacific region, including Philippines, from 7-10 March to highlight inspiring stories of women and allow more people to join the #IWD2018 conversation throughout the week. From community events to live Q&A sessions on Twitter, women leaders in the fields of entertainment, media, music, politics, technology and sports across the region will speak about who inspired them, answer questions from fans, and spur more women around the region to be an inspiration to those around them. Join Twitter now, follow the accounts below, watch the live broadcasts, and have your voice heard this week to celebrate International Women’s Day 2018!
As the Philippines transcend to become a gender-equal country, Twitter will continue to be an essential platform for taking a stand and telling the stories of #EveryWoman.
