March 8th is a global day to celebrate the social, cultural, economic and political achievements of women worldwide. It is also a day to call to action and progress gender equality.

Gloria Steinem, a renowned feminist and activist once said "The story of women's struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organisation but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights."

History of International Women's Day

History of International Women's Day

In 1908 there was great unrest at the increasing oppression and inequality of women sparking much debate and leading to action and campaigning for change.

15,000 women marched through New York City demanding better pay, shorter working hours and the right to vote.

In 1910, a woman by the name of Clara Zetkin in Germany brought forward the idea of an International Women's Day and to celebrate it on the same day every year in every country.

In 1911 International Women's Day was celebrated for the first time in Austria, Denmark, Germany & Switzerland on 19th March. More than 1million women and men rallied for women's right to vote, work, be trained, be in public office and to end discrimination.

It was in 1913 that it was agreed International Women's Day would be celebrated on March 8th. It has been celebrated on this day ever since.

Empowerment of Women

Why is this important? When you support Women Owned businesses and women entrepreneurs, you are investing in women's economic empowerment, gender equality in business and the support of their families and communities. Buying and supporting Women Owned is both socially conscious and economically sound.

Studies have shown that when a woman earns, they invest 90% of their earnings back into their families and communities, compared to 40% for men. Why is this economically sound? Because much of their earnings is put back into the family, there is greater likelihood of their children staying in school and completing their education which helps to break cycles of poverty and pushes forward independence of living. In the end, they are less reliant on government handouts and able to fully contribute to the growth of the economy overall.

Women Owned businesses represent a large portion of economic and business growth. In 2019, in the U.S. alone, Women Owned businesses generated the employment of 9.4 million people and $1.9 trillion in revenue.

Karuna Dawn's Commitment to Empowering Women

Our values of Empower, Enrich and Elevate combine to uplift and transform lives. Being an ethical enterprise, we only partner with production houses that align with our values, business ethos and vision. I am so proud to say that all 3 of our production partners support women, providing employment and opportunity whilst providing meaningful, dignified work in fair trade environments and the payment of a living wage.

Our 100% Organic Cotton bags are made by our partner in Nepal who is a social enterprise with a mission to create jobs that empower marginalised people and survivors of exploitation to fresh starts and fulfilled lives. 78% of the staff employed are women.

The staff receive technical skills training, life-skills training (budgeting, relationships, literacy, numeracy, health & nutrition), access to counselling, healthcare, and employer-matched savings in a positive work environment.

Our beautiful, sustainable, hand-woven, Reed Bags, are made by a women's co-op in Sri Lanka. The income earned in creating these bags helped to financially support their families either as supplemental income or as the main source of earnings.

Our innovative, unique 100% up-cycled denim collection partnered with a company in India dedicated to zero waste practices. Our partner employs women from marginalised communities. The women are part of self-help groups and are offered training in the workshop until they are able to meet the company's standards. The women are then able to independently work from their home, which allows them to attend to family responsibilities.

Your choice has Power

Support ethical brands and choose brands that empower women and help to transform lives. Your choice today can help to shape someone else's tomorrow.