International Women’s Day (IWD) is marked on the 8th of March every year. It is a major day of global celebration of women. In different regions the focus of the celebrations ranges from general celebration of respect, appreciation and love towards women to a celebration for women’s economic, political and social achievements.
History
The first IWD was observed on 28 February 1909 in the United States following a declaration by the Socialist Party of America. Among other relevant historic events, it came to commemorate the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire. The idea of having an international women’s day was first put forward at the turn of the 20th century amid rapid world industrialization and economic expansion that led to protests over working conditions.
In 1910 the first international women’s conference was held in Copenhagen (in the labour-movement building located at Jagtvej 69, which until recently housed Ungdomshuset) by the Second International and an ‘International Women’s Day’ was established, which was submitted by the important German Socialist Clara Zetkin, although no date was specified. The following year, 1911, IWD was marked by over a million people in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland, on March 19. However, soon thereafter, on March 25, the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in New York City killed over 140 garment workers.
More info: Wiki – International Women’s Day
2010 International Women’s Day
On occasion of 2010 International Women’s Day the International Committee of the Red Cross is drawing attention to the hardship displaced women endure. The displacement of populations is one of the gravest consequences of today’s armed conflicts. It affects women in a host of ways.
Nation observing 100th International Women’s Day
The nation is celebrating the 100th International Women’s Day today.
President Pratibha Patil will confer the Stree Shakti Awards at a function here. The ‘Stree Shakti Puraskars‘ are given to women for their outstanding and exceptional work in field of women empowerment.
The Rajasthan Government has decided to allow women to travel free in all categories of State Roadways buses today.
In her message, President Patil said:
“Every year, we celebrate International Women’s Day to recognize the dedication and achievements of women. This year is even more special, as this is the 100th year of its observation.”
“Indian women as part of this epoch making movement have played an exemplary role and will continue to be a major determinant of our future progress and inclusive growth,” she added.
More info: Nation-observing-100th-International-Women-s-Day
Your conttributuion to IWD (International Women’s Day) 2010:
in the form of:-
“wishes or sms or quotes or messages or greetings”
AustinSmash 