International Women's Day 2015

March 8 is International Women's Day, a time to celebrate the achievements of women while calling for greater equality.  This year's theme is "Make It Happen", which was chosen to encourage effective action for advancing and recognizing women.

The first International Women's Day was held in 1911. On this day, thousands of events occur around the world to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women. Organisations, governments, charities, educational institutions, women's groups, corporations and the media celebrate the day.

The United Nations General Assembly declared March 8 to be International Women's Day during the International Women's Year in 1975.  This year, the UN has adopted the theme - "Empowering Women - Empowering Humanity: Picture It!"  For more information on UN-related history and events to honor the day, click here.

Ideas for recognizing the day:

Go purple - From 1908, the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) in Great Britain adopted the colour scheme of purple, white and green to symbolise the plight of the Suffragettes. Purple symbolised justice and dignity - two values strongly associated with women's equality. The three colours were used for banners, flags, rosettes and badges to show solidarity.

Donate to a women's charity or support a female-focused crowd-funding initiative. According to the International Labor Organization, microcredit or microfinance projects have empowered over 80 million women worldwide, giving them respect, independence and allowing them to participate in the development of their communities. 

Attend an International Women's Day event and show your support for an inspiring woman.

Urge your State to ratify and implement the Convention on the Preventing and Combatting Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence (also known as the Istanbul Convention). For more information, click here.

For more ideas, visit the International Women's Day website.

(cgb)