Since the 1900s, when the concept of feminism began to play a major role in politics, the celebration of International Women’s Day has been a worldwide, yet little-known event. For over a hundred years, March 8 has been declared as a day to celebrate the advancement of women and advocate for further changes in society that will allow for true gender equality. With much to say on women’s rights, several of the Pack’s own have commented on what the struggle for equal opportunity means to them.

“Emma Watson is my role model. Not only did her role in Harry Potter represent the impact of an intelligent, headstrong woman, but the United Nations campaign He for She, for which she is a fervent supporter, advocates the advancement of women’s rights, as well as encourages men to fight their own gender stereotypes.”– Mariya Siliankina, senior

“Women are human beings, same as men, and although we’ve moved forward, there are still many significant changes to be made.”-Elaine Tang, senior

“My role model is my 98-year-old grandmother. She lives in a village alone and just inspires me, especially at her age, to take on the mindset of one who is capable and independent.”– Karishma Patel, senior

“Although women have reached pinnacle involvement in the media, politics and foreign affairs, there is still an overwhelming amount of evidence that we are less respected and less valued. But despite this, I refuse to believe we are lesser. My mother has a job in computer engineering, a male-dominated field. She went to school, got a higher education abroad despite the adversity she faced, and is now a team leader in her company, with people working under her. She goes to work every day and comes home to wait on the rest of my family.”– Nandhini Lakuduva, senior

“Often times, the term feminism is viewed with a negative connotation by people who feel that the goal of feminism is to create a society in which women are superior, when in reality it’s about equality, something that human beings have strived for since the founding of America. It is up to all of us, men and women, to take a step in the right direction together.”– Samyukthaa Saiprakash, senior

“I’m perfectly capable of opening my own door, but that doesn’t mean that if a man does it for me, I won’t walk through it. We need to place less importance on redefining gender roles and greater emphasize common decency. I think that Katherine Hepburn is a great role model to women. She always played a strong female lead; someone who ended up changing other characters for the better.” – Rebekah delaMora, junior