MAIN Holidays & Observances International Women's Day

Celebrated every year on March 8, International Women's Day is a day set aside to address the rights of women and their accomplishments and potential worldwide.

Most importantly, some say, International Women's Day is a time to raise awareness of the value of women's work and the inequality of pay across the gender barrier.

The day also commemorates the centuries-old struggle of women who have taken a public stand to enable others to participate in society on an equal footing with men.

International Women's Day was first observed in 1909. It grew out of protests by American women workers in the textiles industry who banded together to speak out against sweat shops and child labor. The movement quickly spread to Europe, and in 1911 the first official International Women's Day was celebrated on March 8th.

While it still has quite a way to go before it reaches the public awareness and acceptance of Mother's Day. the United Nations officially recognized March 8 as International Women's Day in 1977.

More about International Women's Day around the Web:

International Women's Day - The information listed here may be focused on the celebration, but the events begin long before and end long after the central date, with an international women's support network in place throughout the year.

International Women's Day Web - International Women's Day with an Australian focus including events, "herstories," e-cards, flashbacks to the '70s and more. Be sure to stop at A History of International Women's Day in words and images...

International Women's Day - Wikipedia - Good historical overview with a modern sweep of how the day is celebrated and observed worldwide including images, related references and resources.

Women & Equality Unit - UK - The Minister for Women in the Cabinet with the Women & Equality Unit are working on issues of equality in the job market, politics and social standing in Great Britain. The site touches on domestic violence, gay and lesbian issues and related concerns...

IranDokht.com Women's Fact Sheet - An excellent resources for more information on women world leaders and other international issues of concern to women from this "media outlet, by and for Iranian women." Good sections on beauty, fashion, teen concerns, domestic goddess resources, artists and more...

International Women's Day E-Cards - Nice collection of greeting cards with inspirational wishes, humor and gratitude.

also see -> Mother's Day History