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International Women's Day and dinner

March 8 is International Women's Day‚ held in celebration and recognition of women. Not only is it an occasion marked by women's groups around the world; it is also commemorated at the United Nations and designated a national holiday in many countries.

The AEU marks IWD with an annual dinner that has become a major social event in the union calendar.

Over 200 AEU women members attended the 2012 IWD Dinner and enjoyed listening to two very impressive speakers: Joanne Hayter (pictured), head of the International Women's Development Agency, and Emirensiana "Rince" Nipu, Managing Director of Organisaun Haburas Moris Develop Life in Timor-Leste.

The 2012 event was held Wednesday March 7, 6.30pm at the AEU Abbotsford office.

Guests also watched "The Girl Effect" (see below).

IWD activities for students

We have put together some suggested activities for students to help them understand and appreciate International Women's Day. Let us know if you have other ideas. Download IWD Activities for Students.

Background

Origins of International Women's Day

In response to inhumane working conditions and low wages‚ women working in clothing and textile factories staged a protest in New York City on March 8 1957. The police attacked the protesters and dispersed them. Two years later‚ again in March‚ these women formed their first labour union to protest and gain some basic rights in the workplace.

On 8 March 1908 15‚000 women marched through New York city for shorter working hours‚ better pay‚ voting rights and an end to child labour. They adopted the slogan Bread and Roses, symbolising economic security and a better quality of life. In May the Socialist Party of America established a designated National Women's Day.

The colours associated with IWD and women's activism originated with the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU)‚ in the UK in 1908. They were said to represent white for purity, violet for dignity‚ self-reverence and self-respect, and green for hope and new life. They are also said to stand for the phrase Give Women the Vote.

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