Sep-Oct 2008

Women@Work: Events

International Women's Day

March 8th is international Women's Day (IWD) every year. It has been celebrated in Australia for the past 73 years.

MUA women at IWD march 2001

What is International Women's Day?

IWD is an occasion that women and men join together and call for a better world for women and girls and celebrate their contributions to society. IWD activities include meetings, marches, campaigns, debates, speeches, picnics, breakfasts, etc. IWD is about participation.

Purpose of IWD

Put women's issues onto the agenda

Influence public opinion

Popularise feminist issues

Assert women's rights and entitlements

Demand legal, social, economic and political change

Acknowledge the tiresome work at routine tasks women do without pay

Celebrate acts of courage and determination of individual women

Unite at a local and international level to empower women

Re-affirm traditional goals

IWD has radical socialist beginnings and came about in the early 1900's when women organising politically was particularly controversial.
In its early years, because of its association with communism, limited groups of women got involved. IWD is now a calendar fixture, recognised by community organisations, governments and the United Nations.

IWD Colours

Green, white and purple were the colours first used in 1908 by those who demanded votes for women in England.
White for purity, purple for dignity, self reverence and self respect, and green for hope.

This information was found at "Commonwealth Office of the status of Women" website you can read more about IWD at www.osw.dpmc.gov.au

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