Every year, International Women's Day honors and celebrates the achievements of all women of all times. It has been observed since the early 1900s. International Women's Day is now an official holiday in more than 30 countries, including Afghanistan, Russia, Cuba, and Vietnam, as well as many English-speaking nations. It happens on Friday, March 8, every year. Events are scheduled for the entire week.
The special Day features thousands of woman-centered events, all over the globe. Most are celebrations; some have a political focus. They range from small, random, informal gatherings to large, highly organized activities.
The International Women's Day website serves as a global hub for interacting and sharing International Women's Day news, events, and resources.
"The story of women's struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights." -- Gloria Steinem
Corporations, women's groups, schools, governments, charities, and individuals from around the world propose things to do on March 8 that honor women. You can, too--just visit to the IWD website and go from there.
A few sample offerings from around the world:
- What Drives Empowerment? A LIVE International Women's Day worldwide chat online from the World Bank Group about gender and empowerment. Panel discussion on March 6 at 11 a.m. EST (DC time), 16:00 GMT (London time). Tell your stories.... Specialist panel of five executive women experts and field researchers will also answer your questions. Follow at #wblive.
- "Swish" clothes-swap event to mark International Women's Day. The City Council of Aberdeen, Scotland, puts on a clothes-swapping event to give women the chance to pick up a business outfit suitable for a job interview. Organizer Sandra Bruce said: "A 'swishing' event is a great way to exchange clothes you don't want any more for great stuff that would be perfect for an interview or work. It also prevents clothes from being thrown away." For the benefit of Oxfam charities.
- Cape Cod celebrates International Women's Day on the air. From Capecodonline, WOMR, a nonprofit, noncommercial Provincetown radio station, will broadcast nonstop live music, interviews, and discussions by women from midnight to midnight. A 20-year tradition. Features Rayssa Ribeiro, the singer for local cover band Stimulus Package.
- Women: Inspiration & Enterprise holds its annual symposium on International Women's Day. David Gandy, gorgeous Dolce & Gabbana male model from Vogue, will participate on a gala panel about what women can learn from men to help achieve the greatest success in enterprise, philanthropy, and building a brand. In London, at the Hospital Club.
You can follow the events of the day on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Google+, Flickr, Scribd, Klout, and more. The organizers urge you to contribute to IWD discussions and forums. Check in today and choose your events. Make your own voice heard. Share your views.
Based in Chicago, Sandy Dechert has been covering women's health for Examiner.com since the webzine's official startup. She followed the creation and progress of the Affordable Care Act of 2010. Sandy has also reported on the 2012-2013 influenza epidemic, top women's health news of 2012, and the fungal meningitis outbreaks.
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