International Women's Day 8 March 2013

Today is International Women's Day. The first International Women’s Day (IWD) was celebrated in the United States in 1909 to honour the garment workers’ strike in New York the previous year. Since then, IWD has been celebrated in many countries around the world with events focused on improving rights, working conditions, and opportunities for women. 

In 1977, the United National General Assembly adopted a resolution designating March 8 as International Women’s Day.

A friend messaged me on Facebook today and asked what I was doing to support IWD. Here is my response:
(In my role as Labour's Education Spokesperson in Dundee), I am asking the Education Department to promote greater equality for young women in our Secondary Schools as measured by curricular choices.

This is consistent with the legal duties of the Council and Councillors under the terms of the the Equality Act 2010. This legislation introduced a new public sector general equality duty which became law across Britain. The general equality duty requires Scottish public authorities to pay 'due regard' to the need to: eliminate unlawful discrimination, victimisation and harassment; advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations. These requirements apply across the 'protected characteristics' of age; disability; gender reassignment; pregnancy and maternity; race; religion and belief; sex and sexual orientation.

International Women's Day 8 March 2012

Today, Thursday 8 March 2012 is the 101st International Women's Day with thousands of events occurring worldwide that celebrate women’s progress or rally against inequality.


For decades women have banded together to challenge injustices, overcome barriers and pursue equality. International Women's Day provides an opportunity to commemorate these efforts, celebrate progress and call for commitment to women’s rights, peace and equality.

International Women’s Day, continues to provide a powerful opportunity to unite, network and mobilise worldwide for meaningful change. It provides an opportunity to make a stand against inequality, discrimination and marginalisation that only serves to weaken all of our societies.

Read/download the programme of events during the Dundee Women's Festival 28 February - 17 March 2012 including events today.

International Women's Day 8 March 2011

International Women's Day on 8 March 2011 is a global day that celebrates the achievements of women past, present and future. In 2011 the event will mark its centenary. A number of organisations in Dundee will be offering activities to celebrate.

Read or Download the programme of events for Dundee Women's Festival pdf