Today we celebrate International Women’s Day 2007.  This is a day commemorated for over 100 years to embrace the achievements of women everywhere.  The first National Women’s Day was celebrated in America in 1909 in accordance with a declaration by the Socialist Party of America and was observed across the US on 28th February and thereafter each year until 1913.  During this time, an International Women’s Day of no fixed date was proposed in Copenhagen in 1911.  On this day the event was honoured by Austria, Denmark, Switzerland and Germany.  Between 1913 and 1914, on the eve of World War 1 and campaigning for peace, Russian women observed their first international women’s day in the last Sunday of February in 1913.  From 1918 to 1999, International Women's Day has grown to become a global day of recognition and celebration across developed and developing countries alike.

For many years the United Nations has held an annual IWD conference to coordinate international efforts for women's rights and participation in social, political and economic processes. 1975 was designated as 'International Women’s Year' by the United Nations. As stated by the website, www.internationalwomensday.com “Women's organisations and governments around the world have also observed IWD annually on 8 March by holding large-scale events that honour women's advancement and while diligently reminding of the continued vigilance and action required to ensure that women's equality is gained and maintained in all aspects of life.”

IWD is now an official holiday in Armenia, Russia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and Vietnam. The tradition sees men honouring 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.

In fact, throughout the world today, thousands of events are held in honour of women and this important day in our calendar.  Women have suffered for years and have come a long way from the inequalities in the yesteryear right up till the mid to late 1900s.  Many women have marched to gain basic human rights such as the ability to vote, earn a decent wage and be employed.  Unfortunately, we still see a divide today where men are paid more in the work place and women are often passed over for promotion.  We should rejoice in the fact that women have the power to create life and also the intelligence to work.  Many more women are studying these days and have successful high flying careers. 

Many events take place all around the world, and should be supported by all.  Well known super organisations such as google, HSBC and many more organise training events for their staff.  It is crucial to make a difference and embrace this special day.  If you know of anyone supporting this day then please support them.  Show your solidarity as women and men, show your support for this worthy day.