Chicago Commemorates International Women's Day With Protests And Events

March 8 is world-wide celebrated as International Women’s Day. In Chicago, to commemorate this particular event, women participated in the across the globe “A Day without a Woman” protests. This kind of protest encourages women to make a stand and to make sure their voices are heard to show their importance in the society. Such protest/rally has been an annual celebration and dates backs more than a hundred years as early as the 1900s. This kind of activity further promotes gender equality and at the same time celebrates women and their social, economic, and political achievements in society.

Timeout reported that Chicago International Women’s Day Rally was held at the Chicago Teachers Union Headquarters from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. (1901 W Caroll Ave). The event was hosted by a group called March 8th Organizing Committee. It featured a several speakers and group performers such as Fight for $15 Chicago, SEIU Healthcare, Planned Parenthood and the Chicago Teachers Union. The focal purpose of the indoor rally is to “celebrate those who have been leading the fight for women’s right and to play a part in building an all-inclusive women’s right movement.”

Meanwhile, outside the James R. Thompson Center, the Chicago Socialist Party celebrated the “108th International Working Women’s Day” with a rally from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Organizers called the protest in order to demand the right to healthcare, childcare, eldercare and housing. Among the speakers in the event was Zerlina Smith, who was an organizer in the 29th Ward and Action Now activist.

Moreover, a number of bars and restaurants in Chicago celebrated International Women’s Day, according to Chicago Tonight. Lost Lake in Logan Square hosted an International Women’s Day party from 6 p.m. until 2 a.m. While, women proprietors or owners of businesses and restaurants in Edgewater like Flaco’s Tacos and Long Room donated a portion of their sales for the day to groups that support women.