National Divestment Day

Woman holding green leaf, wearing sustainable fashion, in front of city skyline, with diverse group of people in the background.. — National divestment day illustration

Welcome to WhatNationalDayIsIt.com! Today we are diving into the exciting world of National Divestment Day. Get ready to learn all about this important day and the role it plays in raising awareness about divestment. So grab your curiosity and let's embark on this enlightening journey together!

When is Divestment Day?

It's national divestment day on the 18th May.

The Origins of National Divestment Day

Let's start with the basics. National Divestment Day is a day dedicated to highlighting the power of divestment, which involves withdrawing funds from certain industries or companies. The aim is typically to promote social change or address specific concerns. It may sound like a fancy financial term, but divestment has a rich history that dates back several decades.

Back in the 1970s, divestment emerged as a powerful strategy in the fight against apartheid in South Africa. Activists campaigned for universities, companies, and governments to publicly divest from businesses that supported the racist regime. This movement gained traction worldwide and served as a catalyst for similar campaigns in the future.

Fast forward to the digital age, National Divestment Day found its footing online. The power of social media and digital activism allowed this day to spread like wildfire. It became a platform for individuals and organizations to raise awareness about divestment on a global scale.

Spreading the Message

National Divestment Day relies heavily on digital platforms to amplify its message. Hashtags like #DivestForChange, #InvestInHumanity, and #BreakUpWithBigOil flood social media feeds, encouraging discussions about divestment and its potential impact.

Nonprofits and organizations play a significant role in organizing events and campaigns around National Divestment Day. From webinars to virtual conferences, there are numerous opportunities to learn about divestment and its broader implications. The goal is to empower individuals and encourage them to take action in their own lives.

Did You Know?

Did you know that divestment can also be applied to relationships? While National Divestment Day focuses on financial divestment, people can also decide to divest from toxic relationships or negative influences. It's all about making choices that align with our values and well-being.

History behind the term 'Divestment'

1970

Emergence of divestment

In the year 1970, the term 'divestment' began to emerge in the public consciousness. It refers to the act of selling off or getting rid of assets, particularly in the context of withdrawing financial investments from certain companies or industries. Divestment gained traction as a social and political strategy to protest against the apartheid regime in South Africa.

1980

Anti-apartheid movement fueling divestment campaigns

During the 1980s, divestment campaigns against South Africa gained significant momentum. The worldwide anti-apartheid movement called for governments, institutions, and individuals to divest from companies conducting business in South Africa. The aim was to financially isolate and pressure the apartheid government, as well as to raise awareness about the human rights abuses in the country.

1990

Success of divestment campaigns

By the 1990s, divestment efforts had a substantial impact. Numerous universities, pension funds, and governments divested from companies with ties to South Africa, amounting to billions of dollars. This financial pressure contributed to increased international scrutiny and played a role in the eventual dismantling of the apartheid system in the early 1990s.

2000

Expansion of divestment beyond apartheid

In the 2000s, the concept of divestment expanded beyond the anti-apartheid movement. Activists and organizations started using divestment as a tool to address various social and environmental issues. This includes divesting from fossil fuel companies to combat climate change, divesting from tobacco companies due to health concerns, and divesting from firearms manufacturers to curb gun violence.

Present

Ongoing divestment movements

Today, divestment campaigns continue to be used as a strategy for social and political change. From fossil fuel divestment movements spearheaded by universities and other institutions, to campaigns against companies involved in human rights abuses, divestment serves as a means to express solidarity, exert financial pressure, and promote awareness of pressing global issues.