Today is International Women's Day, a celebration of the social, cultural, political, and economic contributions of women throughout the world. It is also a call to action for people everywhere to engage in events that promote gender parity and equal rights in all aspects of life, both professional and domestic. On International Women's Day, we recognize those women of the past whose achievements have been overlooked as well as the accomplishments of those who are making positive changes in women's lives today. It is a day for recognizing women in leadership positions who #PressForProgress, paving the way for other women who seek opportunities to lead.
Finally, International Women's Day is a time to celebrate the achievements of women in the legal profession, just as the Harvard Women's Law Association has done for the last several years by recognizing women in the fields of law and policy. The 5th Annual Harvard Law School International Women’s Day Portrait Exhibit features 25 inspiring women from widely diverse backgrounds who are champions for vulnerable populations and advocates in the areas of immigrant rights, legal aid, indigenous peoples' rights, social justice, civil and human rights, LGBT rights, and animal rights. This distinguished assembly of accomplished women is an impressive and awe-inspiring group of honorees. As people around the world continue to #PressForProgress, the examples of these 25 remarkable women inspire and challenge us all to work for change that benefits women (and all people) around the world.
In addition to celebrating International Women' Day, the Law Library is celebrating Women's History Month. Visit the Law Library to view our exhibit which pays tribute to the life and accomplishments of a remarkable woman, Camille Elizabeth Stanford Openshaw. At a time when women’s educational and career options were very limited, Ms. Openshaw excelled not only as an attorney but as a leader in the local legal community. An accompanying digital exhibit can be viewed on the Law Library's website.
Also, a previous Ex Libris Juris blog post focused on the great number and variety of institutes, organizations, and professional alliances that now exist to support and promote women in the law. These organizations, including those listed below, call attention to the legal aspects of issues long-championed by women rights advocates such as education, employment, economic security, child care, and reproductive rights.