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INFORM-A^CTION

Issue Number 36 - February 2001

International Women's Day
Thursday 8 March 2001

IWD was first recognised by the UN in 1977 but it has been observed for almost ninety years by women across the world. The date of this commemoration has been attributed to one of the first organised actions by working women anywhere in the world. On 8 March 1857, hundreds of women workers in the garment and textile factories in New York City staged a strike against low wages, long working hours and inhumane conditions. Later, in 1909, women workers also rose up in a strike that did lead to better working conditions. The decision to remember 8 March came at a Women's Socialist International meeting in Copenhagen in 1910.

In recent years the UN has actively promoted this day in recognition of women's contribution to society, peace and security.

This year the Social Action Office Team extends an invitation to join with us in a Sophia Circle to reflect and celebrate this day. This will begin at 12 noon and be followed by a celebration lunch.

A special guest that day will be Cath Rafferty from the Working Women's Centre who will speak to us about women workers today and their struggle for just working conditions under the theme Gender Blindness in the Workplace.

If a woman can decide who gets the last toffee, a four year old or a six year old, she can negotiate any contract in the world.

Anita Roddick

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		INFORM-A^CTION Issue Number 36 - February 2001 International Women's Day Thursday 8 March 2001 IWD was first recognised by the UN in 1977 but it has been observed for almost ninety years by women across the world. The date of this commemoration has been attributed to one of the first organised actions by working women anywhere in the world. On 8 March 1857, hundreds of women workers in the garment and textile factories in New York City staged a strike against low wages, long working hours and inhumane conditions. Later, in 1909, women workers also rose up in a strike that did lead to better working conditions. The decision to remember 8 March came at a Women's Socialist International meeting in Copenhagen in 1910. In recent years the UN has actively promoted this day in recognition of women's contribution to society, peace and security. This year the Social Action Office Team extends an invitation to join with us in a Sophia Circle to reflect and celebrate this day. This will begin at 12 noon and be followed by a celebration lunch. A special guest that day will be Cath Rafferty from the Working Women's Centre who will speak to us about women workers today and their struggle for just working conditions under the theme Gender Blindness in the Workplace. If a woman can decide who gets the last toffee, a four year old or a six year old, she can negotiate any contract in the world. Anita Roddick Newsletter Index