What we now know as International Women’s Day started out as an idea put forward by German Clara Zetkin, who wanted women to have the same rights to suffrage as men did. The idea was made a reality in March 1911, when over a million women and men attended the first International Women’s Day and held rallies to campaign for women’s rights “to work, vote, be trained, to hold public office, and end discrimination.”A hundred years after it was observed, over 70 countries now celebrate International Women’s Day. On March 8 every year, we honor and recognize women all over the world who have contributed to their communities through their tireless work and dedication to causes that seek to improve the lives of not only their sisters, but the people whom they come in contact with every day.
In 2011, we celebrate the centenary of International Women’s Day. And as women all over the world now see themselves as being equal partners when it comes to providing for their families, the United Nations has declared this year’s theme to be “Equal access to education, training, and science and technology: Pathway to decent work for women.”
This year, the Philippines once again celebrates this unique event specifically held to pay tribute to the women who continuously uphold the ideals of gender equality and human rights. In support of IWD, several organizations have come up with events that promote the women’s causes:
- World March of Women-Philippines sponsors Women’s March on March 8, 2011 in Manila.
- Manggagawang Kababaihan Mithi ay Paglaya's (MAKALAYA) March 8 for RH at St. Peter’s Church along Commonwealth Road in Quezon City.
- Female Network's own Womanity Awards, the winners of which were announced today.
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You can view other IWD related events here.
Learn more about International Women’s Day from the official website, and read how Female Network celebrated IWD last year here.
(Photo by lululemon athletica via Flickr Creative Commons)
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