Every year, this day is celebrated on March 8, to celebrate the advancement and achievements women are making in the world.
The UN's global theme this year is "Equal rights, equal opportunities: Progress for all"
A great theme indeed. Women, especially those in the third world, or in countries where women are considered second class citizens and denied the right to vote or even carry a driver's license, still have great strides to make. But slowly - gradually - women are making these strides in many different ways.
Small grants to women in third world countries are allowing them to set up their own small businesses, especially in the textile industries. These women are also entering into the fields of technology and science.
In the western world, woman are (again, slowly!) beginning to earn similar amounts to men for the same work, and more women in America are the main providers for their families than ever.
There are more women entering university than men and the numbers of women in the medical and legal fields are now equal to their male counterparts.
But "more" isn't the point. Just the need for equality.
Pressure that used to be placed on women, like marriage, children and traditional "female" roles, are fading.
Check out the International Women's Day website here for more information : http://www.internationalwomensday.com/default.asp and see what other countries are doing to celebrate this day!
Tell Us
What would you do to Celebrate International Women's Day? What do you value most in other women? Their achievements? Friendships? Advice? Do other women have a strong influence on your life?