International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day has been observed since the early 1900s and it is on March 8th. Since its inception during the socialist movement, IWD has spread to both developed and developing countries. In countries like China, Armenia, Kazakhstan, and many others, IWD has even become an official holiday recognizing women and their achievements. Since the start of the millenium, there has been a significant change in the roles and attitudes of women especially in terms of labor and eqaulity. And while it is true that women have more access to insitutions previously dominated by men, there are still areas in which we can improve social standards and gender inequality.
On March 8th, many events around the world will be held to both celebrate and inspire women of all ages. From rallies to government activities and women’s crafts markets, women across the globe will be celebrating their achievements. And while they celebrate, they will also be spreading the message about the importance of social change and equality for all individuals so that they may lead meaningful and productive lives both on the global scale and on the local level.
To read more about landmark achievements of women in the past century, please go here.
Check out the Photoshare collection for more pictures and images on women and gender.
Dr. Bishwa Dawadi examines a patient in Kunde Hospital in a remote part of eastern Nepal. The health of the local people has been significantly improved through the health care program of the hospital for tuberculosis control, TB immunization, measles, tetanus, polio diphtheria, family planning and nutrition. © 2007 Bishwa Raj Dawadi, Courtesy of Photoshare
Two young women recover from fistula surgery at a nationally run clinic in N’Djaména, Chad. Obstetric fistula is such a common problem due to a culture that marries girls at such a young age, the UNFPA and the government of Chad are working to develop a clinic specifically to perform this surgery. © 2008 Micah Albert, Courtesy of Photoshare