International Women's Day
International Women's Day (8th March) originated from the trade union movement in America in the early 20th century, particularly in the activism of the women who worked in the clothing industry "sweatshops" of the time.
In 1907 the women held a "Hunger March" in New York in protest at the dangerous working conditions and very long working periods, and calling for a ten-hour working day and improved wages. The police attacked the march, and the following year on March 8th 1908 a commemorative march was held, which became a milestone in women's history. This date is what we now celebrate as International Women's day, and by 1911 it had become international.
To find out more about the origins of International Women's Day and what is happening around the world to celebrate log onto http://www.internationalwomensday.com/about.asp.
International Women's Day 2010
If your group is planning to hold an event for IWD 2010 or know of events being organized please email the details to Ciaraos@nwci.ie and we will insert it here!
International Women's Day 2009
Women of the World United!
International Women's Day 2009
In the week of International Women's Day March 8th, women from throughout the world called for protection of the most vulnerable, significant investment in health and education, an increase in the numbers of women in top decision making positions, poverty eradication and an end to violence against women in all its forms. A major national conference, drawing together almost 200 women, added the voices of Irish women and those of the many women from other nations living here, to that global call.
The conference "Inspiring women - Challenging Voices, Changing Times was held in Croke Park on Thursday March 5th and was organised by the National Women's Council of Ireland and Banulacht.
Essentially, the conference was about women claiming a much needed and currently absent space to come together to propose fair and effective ways forward for women, children and for society as a whole at this time of global economic downturn and great social and political challenge. Women make up more than half the world's population, but only a fifth of the world's decision-makers. The current debate on future social and economic development has been dominated by men; with little or no focus on social solidarity, human rights and equality. Noting that 2009 is the 30th anniversary of the Convention of the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) women at the conference demanded a central focus in policy formation and economic planning, on equitable social goals based on the principles of respect, dignity and human rights.
Serious concern was expressed at the cut of €95 million to overseas development aid and the impact of these cuts to work with women overseas. This cut, it was pointed out, like so many others, will hit the poorest of the poor and the Irish Government was called upon to increase funding for organisations in the global South that promote women's participation in decision-making (see Banulacht petition http://www.banulacht.ie/themes/theme-developmentpolicy.htm) .
Workshops were held on the themes including;
- Does Feminism Matter?
- CEDAW: From Community Activism to UN Action
- Economic Downturn: Women Bearing the Brunt?
- Feminist Leadership and diversity
- Taking Action in Solidarity with Women in the South
In addition, drama, poetry and art workshops were held for those interested in expressing their ideas and views through more creative formats.
Regrettably our initial keynote speakers Isatou Touray and Isabella Matambanadzo were unable to attend due to circumstances outside of their and our control (including visa difficulties).
We were delighted however that, Ailbhe Smith, Benedicta Attoh (Louth African Women's Group) and Roja Fazaeli (TCD) were available to give excellent and inspiring inputs in the morning. This was followed by a challenging and thought provoking panel discussion in the afternoon with Anne Speed (SIPTU), Salome Mbugwe (AkiDWA) Kathleen O'Neill (Kilbarrack CDP) and Elisa O'Donovan (UCD Students Against Sexism). Panel discussions were chaired by Professor Kathleen Lynch (UCD) and Dr. Margaret Ward (Women's Resource and Development Agency).
Many thanks to all those mentioned above as well as to workshop presenters and facilitators and to the Waterford Women's Group and Blue Drum CDP for the excellent and uplifting drama at the start of the conference.