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 2011
Thank you for helping us make International Women's Day such a success in 2011. We held a series over the course of the day.
On the morning of the 8th, we launched the Women's Charter for Equality by the NWCI and the National Collective of Community Based Women's Networks with Jack O'Connor, President of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, Barbara Nolan, head of representation at the EU Commission, and Catherine Curley, Director of Planning at Limerick City Council in the EU House.
This was followed by an exhibition held in the National Library of Ireland called That Far Off Thing.
Prominent women celebrated women's work in and for Ireland, reflecting the words of Alice Milligan and others and photographs from the collection of the NLI.
Speakers included Alice Maher, artist, Lynne Parker, theatre director, Professor Jane Ohlmeyer, who, if elected, will be the first woman Provost of Trinity College, Fiona
Ross, director of the NLI, Clare Treacy, chairperson of NWCI, Anthea McTiernan, editor of the Irish Times Ticket Magazine.
The curator of the Alice Milligan exhibition, Catherine Morris, gave a talk and a tour on what was the last day of the exhibition
Please find below example of some of the work shown and the words of Alice Milligan.
This was followed by a joint hosting with the Domestic Workers Action group at the Migrants Rights Centre of Ireland, of a campaign for an International Labour Organisation convention on decent conditions and rights for domestic workers, held in dublin City Council in wood Quay, Dublin 8.
Speakers included Susan McKay, chief executive of the NWCI, Anele Jakiel, DWAG, and Inez McCormack, Global Coalition for Women's Rights.
Finally, the night finished with an all-female comedy night called The Humorous Feminist, held in the Sugar Club.Comedians performing included The Nualas, Eleanor Tiernan, Maeve Higgins Sonya Kelly, Sharon Mannion, Margo Carr, Lisa Joyce and Gaby Tzeschloch and others.
As the world celebrates 100 years of International Women's Day, join us, The Nualas, Meave Higgins, Eleanor Tierney and a host of other hilarious female comedians on March 8th to end the day with laughter.
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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.