Each year around the world, International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8. Women from far and wide join together in celebration, honoring the intelligence, strength, courage and beauty of all women. Since 1908 this has been a day to recognize the achievements of women worldwide without regard to their national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political differences.
IWD is now an official holiday in China, Armenia, Russia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and Vietnam. The tradition sees men honoring their mothers, wives, girlfriends, colleagues, etc with flowers and small gifts. In some countries IWD has the equivalent status of Mother's Day where children give small presents to their mothers and grandmothers.
Hundreds of events occur not just on this day but also throughout March to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women. Organizations, governments and women's groups around the world choose different themes each year that reflect global and local gender issues. On March 8, Women for Women International offices around the world hold events ranging from quiet and reflective meetings to loud and festive celebrations. This year - maybe more than ever - the women the organization serves are in dire circumstances due to rising food prices in Sudan, Nigeria and many other countries. These rising costs have forced 100 million people into extreme poverty over the past year and leaving families wondering where they'll find their next meal.
Through Women for Women International programs such as its Commercial Integrated Farming Initiative (CIFI), women are acquiring skills that will allow them to end the food crisis forever by learning how to use sustainable farming practices to grow crops that can help feed their families, earn an income and move them from victim to survivor.
To learn more about this program and what women are doing to eradicate hunger in their countries, Women for Women International invites you to join a Global Teleconference on March 5, facilitated by Global Program Executive Director Karen Sherman and Dr. Grace Fisiy, Agribusiness Specialist.
For more International Women's Day Events, please see the listing below by country:
- United Kingdom (215 events)
- United States of America (144 events)
- Australia (141 events)
- Canada (107 events)
- Ireland (13 events)
- more countries ...
