An annual date of recognition for the economic, political and social achievements of women, the occasion is an important one for lesbians and its significance also remains strong for women on all continents, regardless of their ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic and political differences.

Global interest in the event increases every year and International Women’s Day 2008 is set to be big. Want to know more? Read on!

Where did the idea for an International Women’s Day come from?

International Women’s Day had its beginnings around the turn on the twentieth century, a time of great industrial and social change. As working class groups learnt to organise and protest and the suffrage movement was being given political shape in Europe and America, women became more vocal in campaigning for changes in working conditions and wages.

The first National Women’s Day occurred in 1909 following a declaration by the Socialist Party of America, one year after 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter hours, better pay and the right to vote.

1911 saw the Socialist International establish an International Women’s Day and the advent of World War One saw the day’s significance grow and develop for women across Europe as it became an occasion to express their solidarity and protest against the war.

These days, International Women’s Day gives women the opportunity to reflect upon this rich political history and how far they have come in the struggle for women’s rights. The tone and nature of the day has for the most part evolved into a celebratory event and its focus is on promoting, protecting and further improving these rights.

The rights of women have certainly improved since the turn of the twentieth century, so why is there still a need for an International Women’s Day?

While women have come far in their struggle for equality and justice, there is still a way to go. Even now, women make less money than men, there are significantly fewer women in business and politics and women’s education, health and violence against them is worse than that of men. International Women’s Day maintains awareness of the need for coordinated efforts – such as those designated by the United Nations – to advance the social, political and economic status of women around the world.

What role does the United Nations play in the campaign for women’s rights?

1975 saw the signing of the Charter of the United Nations, which was the first global treaty to call for equality between women and men. The United Nations have made practical efforts to ensure that this proclamation is upheld through various strategies, programmes and four global United Nation’s women’s conferences. Every year, the United Nations observes and commemorates International Women’s Day.

Who else supports International Women’s Day?

Many global corporations actively support the day by hosting and sponsoring events. For example, HSBC hosts the UK’s biggest event delivered by women’s company Aurora.

Strong support also comes from a diversity of local sources. Aurora urges supporters to ‘think globally and act locally’ in order to make a difference on International Women’s Day.

What’s on this year?

The theme for International Women’s Day 2008 is ‘Shaping Progress’, focusing on how far women have come, while also looking to the future.

Go to www.internationalwomensday.com, where Aurora hosts a free world wide register of International Women’s Day local events and get ready to celebrate!

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