International Women's Day: A day on or a day off?
"International Women's Day" was marked with loud calls for change in this country and around the globe. Many refused to go to work and called this a day without women, but not all women felt the need to protest. Many went about their day, as normal.
From CEOs, to entrepreneurs and activists, they're women making a huge difference across our nation.
Christen Perry, Owner of Classic Travel Connection said it's days like today that make her appreciate the many hats she wears.
"Not only are you a wife or a mother, you're a daughter, a friend and all of those things. Then also, I'm a business owner,” Perry said. “I have people that count on me to help them grow their day to day decisions."
Women nationwide took a stand in honor of International Women's Day.
Like T. Marie King who decided to take the day off.
"There are women in our community that can't take off. they don't have that ability to take off. so this is kind of my way of standing with those women who want to be recognized in the work place, but don't have the ability to do it," said King.
While others like Deepa Bahte, CEO of Building and Earth Sciences, who decided today was still a day on.
"It's just another day for me. The work goes on the beat goes on. why stop?" said Bahte.
Jeanne Jackson with the Women's Fund of Birmingham said nationally women have come a long way, but when it comes to the workforce. There's still work to be done.
"Nationally, women only make eighty cents to the dollar than a man make. So the glass ceiling is still not broken. we are still not there," said Jackson.
Although this is considered a celebratory day for women, King said for her it's more about leaving a mark, for others to follow.
"Women are here. women have causes that we push forth and we're a force to be recon with," said King.
Jackson said Alabama is the sixth worst state when it comes to differences in wages between a man and a woman. She's hoping that the efforts from women across the state can make a difference really soon.
