Link of the Day: International Women’s Day

Not only is today International Women’s Day, as officially designated by the United Nations, but this year also marks the hundredth anniversary of the first International Women’s Day.

“The day was commemorated for the first time on 19 March 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland,” the UN’s official 2011 site explains, “following its establishment during the Socialist International meeting the prior year. More than one million women and men attended rallies on that first commemoration.

“In 1975,” the site continues, “during International Women’s Year, the United Nations began celebrating 8 March as International Women’s Day. Two years later, in December 1977, the General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming a United Nations Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace to be observed on any day of the year by Member States, in accordance with their historical and national traditions. The Day is traditionally marked with a message from the Secretary-General.”

The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is “equal access to education, training and science and technology: pathway to decent work for women.” You can find events in your area using the search engine on this site.

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