Women of Latvia
International Women's Day is celebrated annually on March 8th and is a day dedicated to celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, as well as a call to action for gender equality and the advancement of women's rights worldwide. International Women's Day is also widely celebrated in Latvia with various events and activities throughout the country. It is a day when women are honored for their achievements and contributions to society, and it is also a day when people come together to advocate for gender equality and women's rights.
Although Latvia overall is a good place in terms of equal opportunities for all, according to the Gender Equality Index there is still a place to grow compared with the other European Union countries. The Gender Equality Index is a tool to measure the progress of gender equality in the EU and it was developed by the European Institute for Gender Equality. With 62.1 out of 100 points, Latvia ranks 16th in the EU on the Gender Equality Index. Its score is 5.9 points below the EU’s score. Here you can access the full Latvian country profile comparing it to the EU.
But of course, it has been a long walk to reach the numbers and the equality we have today. Latvia has a rich history of remarkable women who have made significant contributions to various fields, including arts, politics, sports, science, and education. So, to honor what we have reached we will take a look back on a few remarkable women who have shaped the history of Latvia:
Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga (born 1937) - Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga is a Latvian politician and former President of Latvia. She was the first woman to be elected as President in the country's history, and is widely respected for her advocacy of democracy, human rights, and gender equality. During her presidency from 1999 to 2007, Vīķe-Freiberga was known for her commitment to strengthening Latvia's democracy and promoting its integration into the European Union and NATO. After leaving office, Vīķe-Freiberga continued to be active in public life and has been involved in several international organizations, including the United Nations. She has received numerous honors and awards throughout her career, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom from the United States and the Order of the Three Stars, Latvia's highest civilian honor.
Aspasia (Aspazija) – the full name of Aspasia was Elza Rozenberga, she was a prominent writer, poet, and feminist. Her work tackled topics such as women's rights, freedom, gender equality, and social justice. She was a member of the Latvian Women's Rights Association and wrote articles and essays on women's issues. She believed that women should have the same opportunities as men and fought for women's right to education and to vote.
Emīlija Benjamiņa (1881 - 1941) was a Latvian business women journalist and owner of serval press publishing enterprises, sometimes called the Queen of Press in Latvia due to her significant contributions to Latvia’s media landscape. Under Benjamiņa's leadership, her publishing house became one of the largest and most successful in Latvia, and she was known for her commitment to high-quality journalism and editorial independence. She also championed women's rights and was a vocal advocate for women's suffrage. Benjamiņa is remembered as a pioneering figure in Latvian media and journalism, and her legacy continues to inspire journalists and businesswomen in Latvia and beyond.
Nowadays Latvian women bring the country's name far across borders in science, arts, sports, music, and many more. These are just a few of the many who have shaped Latvia into the way we see it today and with the hope that with every year there will be more and more events and milestones to celebrate. So, on this International Women's Day, let's take a moment to appreciate the women in our lives who have inspired us and positively impacted the world. May this day inspire us all to work towards a more equal and inclusive world for all.