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On 8th MAR 1908 in New York, there were a group of socialist women organized a demonstration of 15,000 to demand pay rises, shorter work hours, the vote and an end to child labour. International Women’s Day (IWD) was founded in the following year, a century ago. Until this year IWD reach a milestone as it marks its 100th anniversary.

Special attention will focus on Haiti on this year’s IWD. The Caribbean nation is still struggling to cope with the aftermath of the 12th JAN 2010 earthquake that demolished much of its capital city Port-au-Prince and its environs.

Women’s organizations in Haiti will have a memorial with testimonies, a mural and a slide show. The Haitian women’s movement has called upon women’s groups in all other countries to join in their celebration and memorialisation of the departed feminists, as well as affirm the struggles of surviving feminists, by organizing their own memorial activities.

Iran will also be the focus of women’s organizations all over the globe. A group of Iranian feminists and women’s rights activists have sent out a call for solidarity action by their sisters throughout the world.

For 100 years IWD celebrates the political, economic, cultural and social achievement of women around the world. It also serves as reminder of the continuing struggle for equality that so many women face across the globe.

Happy Women’s Day to all ladies out there!

Message from UN Secretary: General Ban Ki-moon on International Women’s Day