International Women’s Day recognizes impact of women

Washington women's march
Earlier this year, women rallied with a march in Washington D.C. and cities all over the country. (Maria Henneberry/WJBC)

By Adam Studzinski

BLOOMINGTON – Women all over are being encouraged to mark International Women’s Day Wednesday in a number of different ways.

Illinois State University Women and Gender Studies Librarian Alexis Wolstein said one of the many efforts asks women to not shop or spend any money to help show the impact women have on the economy.

“Women make up 50-70 percent of all consumer transactions,” she said.

Wolstein hoped the history of International Women’s Day begins to grab more attention.

“International Women’s Day has been observed since 1909 as a result of women joining the workforce during the industrial revolution,” Wolstein said.

Wolstein helped organize the Empowered Women, Empower Women event taking place at the Bloomington Center for Performing Arts Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m. She said this day celebrates not just women, but everyone who identifies as a woman or supports women.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].

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