International Women's Day

International Women's Day

by: Lowri

Women of the world, UNITE.

It's the 101st International Women's Day this Thursday March 8th. It's not even 100 years since women got the vote. Standing tall and united is as important now as it ever has been. Women remain judged on gender rather than talent. Women across the world are subjected to violence, persecution and oppression. Appearances and sexuality continue to be a fixation – both for us and for our male counterparts. In the UK, 30,000 women lose their job every year because they're pregnant. Women hold just 19% of the world's parliamentary seats. 75% of civilians killed in war are women and children. So on March 8th, why not make it all about the ladies?

On Thursday March 8th, you can join Women For Women International to march across Millenium Bridge, in support of women survivors of war, civil strife and other conflicts. They take a stand for peace and women's equality. Their 'Join Me On The Bridge' idea came from their programmes in Rwanda and the Congo – where women came together on the bridge which borders the two countries. Their message? 'Stronger women build bridges of peace'.

It is a day of global celebration for women. It is a chance to speak out. To stand and be counted. Be it at a lecture, at a demo, on a bridge, at an event. In different regions, the focus ranges from general respect and admiration of women, to celebration of womens economic, political and social achievements. You can find a list of IWD events across the country here.

Elsewhere there's poetry nights, seminars, gigs and workshops. A full list of London events for International Women's Day can be found here.

Whatever you do, be part of it. And remember: 'One woman can change anything. Many women can change everything.'

Join Me On The Bridge is this Thursday 8th 2012. Meeting place is Southside of Millenium Bridge at 10:30am for banner making. March begins at 11:15am.

Lowri