About

International Women’s Day, March 8, is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. In some places like China, Russia, Vietnam and Bulgaria, IWD is a national holiday. The first IWD was run in 1911. Next year is IWD Global Centenary 1911-2011.

Annually on or near March 8, thousands of events are held throughout the world to inspire women and celebrate achievements. A global web of rich and diverse local activity connects women from all around the world ranging from political rallies, business conferences, government activities and networking events through to local women’s craft markets, theatric performances, fashion parades and more.

2010 event

In Vancouver, members of a variety of organizations including Oxfam Canada, Amnesty International, the We Can Coalition, unions, and local women’s organizations teamed up to celebrate International Women’s Day with a rally and conference  on Saturday, March 6 called, “Women’s Voices at the Table.” The “at the table” concept was part of a broadly-based Canadian and global civil society campaign to mobilize women to be heard and to declare our right to be “at the table” with leaders at the G8/20 meetings taking place in Canada in June 2010.

2011 event

Planning is now underway for International Women’s Day 2011 — please watch for updates through the fall and winter.