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Notable International and National Human Rights Events and Diversity Holidays for the Month

Information from a calendar of annual human rights observances on the Morgantown City website and from Diversity Resources.

March: National Women’s History Month
Honors women as significant agents of change. It is, dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the contributions and achievements of women throughout history and in contemporary society. It’s a time to reflect on the struggles for women’s rights and to promote equality and recognition across various fields.

March 1: Zero Discrimination Day
Zero Discrimination Day calls for the elimination of all discrimination. Its goal is to promote both inclusivity and equality across the world. First initiated by the United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS to address the stigma and discrimination faced by people living with HIV/AIDS. This day encourages all people to take a stand against it and serves as a reminder of why it’s so important to create a world where everyone is treated with respect, regardless of their identity, their race, religion, and HIV status.

March 8: International Women’s Day
This day originated in the early 20th century from labor movements in North America and Europe. Officially observed since 1911, the date commemorates the 1917 women’s strike in Russia, which was pivotal in earning women the right to vote. This day globally celebrates women’s achievements and advocates for gender equality. A celebration of the economic, political, and social achievements of women worldwide. Recognition of the need for empowering women to meet their health and family planning needs as central to realizing greater equality. With access to education, economic opportunity, and quality health care, healthier mothers can have healthier babies, economic gains, and help create less pressure on our planet's natural resources.

March 15: International Day to Combat Islamophobia
This global initiative hopes to address the prejudice and discrimination faced by Muslims worldwide. This day further advances the need to combat stereotypes and promote tolerance and acceptance. A more accepting world means that the rights and safety of Muslims are protected continuously.

March 18 - 24: Neurodiversity Celebration Week
This international event celebrates the wide range of diversity in the neurodivergent community including dyslexia, autism, and even ADHD, among others.

March 21: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Call to action to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination worldwide.

March 21: International Forest Day
Calls for awareness of the importance of forests in protecting air quality, water retention, plants for pharmaceuticals, habitat for birds and other wildlife – all of which provide a balance for survival of all.

March 22: World Water Day
Calls for awareness of how essential potable water is to the rights of all people in West Virginia and worldwide.

March 31: Cesar Chavez Day
Honors Mexican American farm workers. Labor leader, and activist Cesar Chavez (1927- 1993) who was a nationally respected voice of social justice.

March 31: Susan B. Anthony Day
Birthday of Susan B. Anthony (1820-1906), a pioneer in the Women’s Rights Movement.

March 20: International Transgender Day of Visibility
Dedicated to celebrating transgender people, it hopes to eradicate discrimination faced by the community worldwide. It was first founded by a U.S.-based transgender activist Rachel Crandall of Michigan in 2009. She was frustrated that the only well-known day focused on the community was Transgender Day of Remembrance, which mourns the murders of transgender people across the world instead of celebrating those living as transgender.

Religious Holidays for the Month

Information from a calendar of diversity events from Diversity Resources.

March 10 -  April 9: Ramadan
Ramadan is a sacred month of fasting, prayer, and reflection for Muslims worldwide. It commemorates the month in which the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. Observers fast from dawn to sunset and engage in increased spiritual reflection and community activities. Date may vary based on moon sighting.

March 31: Easter
Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It marks the culmination of the Passion of Christ and is preceded by Lent, a 40-day period of fasting and penance.