Celebrating the achievements of the women's movement to date and at the same time drawing attention to existing inequalities are the main motivations behind International Women's Day. Every year on 8 March, campaigns are held around the world on the topics of women's rights, gender equality and equal rights.

From the Right to Vote to Invest in Women

International Women's Day has its historical roots in the socialist women workers' movement at the end of the 19^th century. The idea originated in the USA. There, the women's organization of the Socialist Party of America demonstrated for women's voting rights on the last Sunday in February from 1909. At the same time, it commemorated the strike by New York textile workers in 1908. In Europe, it was above all the women's rights activist Clara Zetkin (1858-1933) who campaigned for the introduction of an International Women's Day. Here too, the primary goal was the right to vote. In 1921, 8 March was set as the date. After the day had lost its significance, the emancipation movements of the 1960s revived the idea. Finally, in 1975, the UN declared 8 March "International Women's Day".
This year, the motto for International Women's Day is "Invest in Women: Accelerate progress". As in previous years, the UN wants to draw attention to the key issue of gender equality. Internationally, International Women's Day is a public holiday in 26 countries.

Inspiring a Variety of Movements

Since its beginnings in the field of political participation, the objectives of International Women's Day initiatives have expanded. The day is the occasion for a variety of feminist activities with different focuses. Against the backdrop of numerous gaps such as the gender pay gap, the gender health gap or the gender care gap, the topics range from education and political participation, living conditions and health to emancipation, care work and femicide.

Around 20% Women in the DGM 

Thanks to the commitment of numerous female activists, the proportion of women in STEM professions has increased in recent years, although they are still in the minority. The German Society for Materials Science (DGM) also supports its female members in the field of materials science. Approximately 20% of all private members of the DGM are women. Of these 20%, around 1/5 are students, doctoral candidates or professionals under the age of 30. A further 42% of female members are aged between 30 and 45, followed by 30% aged 45 and over. The lowest proportion of women is in the group of retired women at around 7%.

Women@Dgm Fosters Professional Exchange

Within the DGM, Prof. Dr. Martina Zimmermann, Prof. Dr. Birgit Skrotzki and Dr. Blanka Lenczowski are committed to promoting women as patrons of the 179-member Women@DGM project. Since the first Lunch Talk in 2021, events by women for women for professional exchange, networking and empowerment have been held continuously within the DGM. Most recently, a New Year's brunch was held at the end of January. The participants benefited from a discussion about excellence, leadership and the challenges of a career in materials science and engineering as well as various support opportunities for their projects. A Women's Breakfast has become established at the major DGM conferences, such as the MSE. There will also be an event for women at this year's MSE Congress, which will take place from 24 – 26 September 2024 in Darmstadt and online. With such gatherings, the DGM aims to create an inclusive and supportive environment for women in materials science and engineering to work together for more visibility in the scientific community.

On this special Friday, the DGM wishes all women of our association a motivating empowerment!