Celebrating 100 Years of Women's Achievements

More than 300 events across Canada will be held today in celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD).  The day was commemorated for the first time in 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland, and today, in some places like China, Russia, Vietnam and Bulgaria, International Women's Day is a national holiday.

According to the United Nations, the theme for International Women's Day 2011 is Equal access to education, training and science and technology: Pathway to decent work for women. In adopting its resolution on the observance of Women's Day, the General Assembly cited two strong and clear reasons that the world should commemorate IWD:  “To recognize the fact that securing peace and social progress and the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms require the active participation, equality and development of women; and to acknowledge the contribution of women to the strengthening of international peace and security. For the women of the world, the Day's symbolism has a wider meaning: It is an occasion to review how far they have come in their struggle for equality, peace and development. It is also an opportunity to unite, network and mobilize for meaningful change.”  Each country can set its own theme however, and in Canada the Status of Women (Federal Gov) has set a theme of: Strong Leadership. Strong Women. Strong World: Equality

As thousands gather to celebrate women and their role in society on IWD, this is also a time to highlight challenges and inequities which still exist for women today.  This is an occasion to ignite conversations and engage all members of society in a positive mass global movement toward equality for all.

Interesting links for more information can be found at: http://www.un.org/womenwatch/feature/iwd/ and http://internationalwomensday.com

How are you celebrating International Women’s Day?