Happy International Women's Day 2026

Today, March 8th, 2026, is the 115th International Women's Day. Read on for information about this year's theme from the official IWD site:

When we give, we gain.

Together, let's help forge gender equality through abundant giving.

The IWD 2026 Give To Gain Campaign encourages a mindset of generosity and collaboration.

Give To Gain emphasizes the power of reciprocity and support. When people, organizations, and communities give generously, opportunities and support for women increase. Giving is not a subtraction, it's intentional multiplication. When women thrive, we all rise.

Whether through donations, knowledge, resources, infrastructure, visibility, advocacy, education, training, mentoring, or time, contributing to women's advancement helps create a more supportive and interconnected world.

What will you Give to Gain gender equality?

Visit the International Women's Day website to learn more:
https://www.internationalwomensday.com/

Happy International Women's Day 2025

Today, March 8th, 2025, is the 114th International Women's Day.

IWD is a movement, powered by the collective efforts of all.

The day belongs to all groups, everywhere. That's what makes IWD so inclusive, not exclusive.

Since the first International Women's Day in 1911, the day remains an important opportunity for elevating and amplifying the focus on gender equality.

IWD celebrates women’s achievements, raises awareness about persistent inequities, and mobilizes action.

Visit the International Women's Day website to learn more:
https://www.internationalwomensday.com/

Happy International Women's Day 2024

Today, March 8th, 2024, is the 113th International Women's Day. Read on for information about this year's theme from the official IWD site:

Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women's equality. Collectively we can all #InspireInclusion.

Celebrate women's achievement. Raise awareness about discrimination. Take action to drive gender parity.

IWD belongs to everyone, everywhere. Inclusion means all IWD action is valid.

The campaign theme for International Women's Day 2024 is Inspire Inclusion.

When we inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion, we forge a better world.

And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there's a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment.

Collectively, let's forge a more inclusive world for women.

Visit the International Women's Day website to learn more:
https://www.internationalwomensday.com/

"Woman In Chains" by Tears For Fears

For International Women's Day: "Woman In Chains" by Tears For Fears with Oleta Adams. Just phenomenal. After more than thirty years, this song still moves me to absolute tears.

"Somebody, somewhere is trying to breathe..."

 

You better love loving and you better behave
You better love loving and you better behave
Woman in chains
Woman in chains

Calls her man the Great White Hope
Says she's fine, she'll always cope
Woman in chains
Woman in chains

Well I feel lying and waiting is a poor man's deal
And I feel hopelessly weighed down by your eyes of steel
It's a world gone crazy
Keeps woman in chains

Trades her soul as skin and bones
(You better love loving and you better behave)
Sells the only thing she owns
(You better love loving and you better behave)
Woman in chains
(The sun and the moon)
Woman in chains

Men of Stone
Men of Stone

Well I feel deep in your heart there are wounds time can't heal
And I feel somebody somewhere is trying to breathe
Well you know what I mean
It's a world gone crazy
Keeps woman in chains

It's under my skin but out of my hands
I'll tear it apart but I won't understand
(Somebody somewhere is trying to breathe)
I will not accept the Greatness of Man
It's a world gone crazy
Keeps woman in chains

So free her
So free her

(The sun and the moon

The wind and the rain)

http://tearsforfears.com/

Happy International Women's Day 2023

Today, March 8th, 2023, is the 112th International Women's Day. Read on for information about this year's theme from the official IWD site:

Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women's equality. Collectively we can all #EmbraceEquity.

For International Women's Day and beyond, let's all fully #EmbraceEquity.

Equity isn't just a nice-to-have, it's a must-have.

A focus on gender equity needs to be part of every society's DNA.

And it's critical to understand the difference between equity and equality.

IWD 2023's campaign theme aims to get the world talking about why "equal opportunities are no longer enough."

Visit the International Women's Day website to learn more:
https://www.internationalwomensday.com/

"Woman In Chains" by Tears For Fears

For International Women's Day: "Woman In Chains" by Tears For Fears with Oleta Adams. Just phenomenal. After more than thirty years, this song still moves me to absolute tears.

"Somebody, somewhere is trying to breathe..."

 

You better love loving and you better behave
You better love loving and you better behave
Woman in chains
Woman in chains

Calls her man the Great White Hope
Says she's fine, she'll always cope
Woman in chains
Woman in chains

Well I feel lying and waiting is a poor man's deal
And I feel hopelessly weighed down by your eyes of steel
It's a world gone crazy
Keeps woman in chains

Trades her soul as skin and bones
(You better love loving and you better behave)
Sells the only thing she owns
(You better love loving and you better behave)
Woman in chains
(The sun and the moon)
Woman in chains

Men of Stone
Men of Stone

Well I feel deep in your heart there are wounds time can't heal
And I feel somebody somewhere is trying to breathe
Well you know what I mean
It's a world gone crazy
Keeps woman in chains

It's under my skin but out of my hands
I'll tear it apart but I won't understand
(Somebody somewhere is trying to breathe)
I will not accept the Greatness of Man
It's a world gone crazy
Keeps woman in chains

So free her
So free her

(The sun and the moon

The wind and the rain)

http://tearsforfears.com/

Happy International Women's Day 2022

Today, March 8th, 2022, is the 111th International Women's Day. Read on for information about this year's theme from the official IWD site:

IWD 2022 campaign theme: #BreakTheBias

Imagine a gender equal world.

A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination.

A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.

A world where difference is valued and celebrated.

Together we can forge women's equality.

Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias.

Individually, we're all responsible for our own thoughts and actions - all day, every day.

We can break the bias in our communities.

We can break the bias in our workplaces.

We can break the bias in our schools, colleges and universities.

Together, we can all break the bias - on International Women's Day (IWD) and beyond.

Whether deliberate or unconscious, bias makes it difficult for women to move ahead. Knowing that bias exists isn’t enough, action is needed to level the playing field.

Are you in? Will you actively call out gender bias, discrimination and stereotyping each time you see it?

Will you help break the bias?

Cross your arms to show solidarity.

Strike the IWD 2022 pose and share your #BreakTheBias image, video, resources, presentation or articles on social media using #IWD2022 #BreakTheBias to encourage further people to commit to helping forge an inclusive world.

Visit the International Women's Day website to learn more:
https://www.internationalwomensday.com/

"Woman In Chains" by Tears For Fears

For International Women's Day: "Woman In Chains" by Tears For Fears with Oleta Adams. Just phenomenal. After more than thirty years, this song still moves me to absolute tears.

"Somebody, somewhere is trying to breathe..."

 

You better love loving and you better behave
You better love loving and you better behave
Woman in chains
Woman in chains

Calls her man the Great White Hope
Says she's fine, she'll always cope
Woman in chains
Woman in chains

Well I feel lying and waiting is a poor man's deal
And I feel hopelessly weighed down by your eyes of steel
It's a world gone crazy
Keeps woman in chains

Trades her soul as skin and bones
(You better love loving and you better behave)
Sells the only thing she owns
(You better love loving and you better behave)
Woman in chains
(The sun and the moon)
Woman in chains

Men of Stone
Men of Stone

Well I feel deep in your heart there are wounds time can't heal
And I feel somebody somewhere is trying to breathe
Well you know what I mean
It's a world gone crazy
Keeps woman in chains

It's under my skin but out of my hands
I'll tear it apart but I won't understand
(Somebody somewhere is trying to breathe)
I will not accept the Greatness of Man
It's a world gone crazy
Keeps woman in chains

So free her
So free her

(The sun and the moon

The wind and the rain)

http://tearsforfears.com/

Happy International Women's Day 2021

Today, March 8th, 2021, is the 110th International Women's Day.

IWD 2021 campaign theme: #ChooseToChallenge

A challenged world is an alert world.

Individually, we're all responsible for our own thoughts and actions - all day, every day.

We can choose to challenge and call out gender bias and inequity. We can choose to seek out and celebrate women's achievements.

Collectively, we can all help create an inclusive world. 

From challenge comes change, so let's all choose to challenge.

Strike the #ChooseToChallenge pose

Raise your hand assertively and show that you choose to challenge inequity. Show your solidarity in choosing to challenge and call out aspects that are unhelpful to women. Will you raise your hand high and pledge to #ChooseToChallenge?

To the women in my life, I love you all. I wish the world was a better place for you and treated you better. In many places around the world, even in developed countries where one would not expect it, women are still seen as second class citizens. Unfortunately, misogyny is alive and well... "feminine" things always take a backseat to what is masculine. Manliness is seen as a virtue while femininity is seen as a weakness, something to be avoided or discouraged. And unfortunately, misogyny is the basis of homophobia (an unnatural fear of what is perceived as feminine).

Of course there are countries around the world where women are still literally treated as second class citizens, denied the ability to drive, vote, live alone, own property, and work at a chosen career--or they are treated like property and beaten, raped, or mutilated because they are female.

As a man, there are many things I don't have to worry about like whether or not the clothes I am wearing are too revealing so as to attract the attention of a man who might attack me, being molested or raped on the way to my car at night or even in broad daylight, being sexually assaulted at work, and having my personal feelings and ideas discounted because I am "hysterical" or because it must be "that time of the month." I have heard many stories from my female friends about what clothing they could wear if they felt safe, and about how their thoughts or suggestions were passed over at work in favor of the exact same thought or suggestion from a man. This still happens.

Now, more than ever, there's a strong call-to-action to press forward and progress gender parity. There's a strong call for motivating and uniting friends, colleagues and whole communities to think, act and be gender inclusive. Collective action and shared ownership for driving gender parity is what makes International Women's Day successful. Gloria Steinem, world-renowned feminist, journalist and activist once explained "The story of women's struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights." So make International Women's Day your day and do what you can to truly make a positive difference for women.

Visit the International Women's Day website to learn more:

https://www.internationalwomensday.com/

"Woman In Chains" by Tears For Fears and Oleta Adams

For International Women's Day: "Woman In Chains" by Tears For Fears with Oleta Adams. Just phenomenal. After more than thirty years, this still moves me to tears.

"...somebody, somewhere is trying to breathe..."

 

You better love loving and you better behave
You better love loving and you better behave
Woman in chains
Woman in chains

Calls her man the Great White Hope
Says she's fine, she'll always cope
Woman in chains
Woman in chains

Well I feel lying and waiting is a poor man's deal
And I feel hopelessly weighed down by your eyes of steel
It's a world gone crazy
Keeps woman in chains

Trades her soul as skin and bones
(You better love loving and you better behave)
Sells the only thing she owns
(You better love loving and you better behave)
Woman in chains
(The sun and the moon)
Woman in chains

Men of Stone
Men of Stone

Well I feel deep in your heart there are wounds time can't heal
And I feel somebody somewhere is trying to breathe
Well you know what I mean
It's a world gone crazy
Keeps woman in chains

It's under my skin but out of my hands
I'll tear it apart but I won't understand
(Somebody somewhere is trying to breathe)
I will not accept the Greatness of Man
It's a world gone crazy
Keeps woman in chains

So free her
So free her

(The sun and the moon

The wind and the rain)

http://tearsforfears.com/

Happy International Women's Day 2020

International Women's Day 2020 campaign theme is #EachforEqual

An equal world is an enabled world.

Individually, we're all responsible for our own thoughts and actions - all day, every day.

We can actively choose to challenge stereotypes, fight bias, broaden perceptions, improve situations and celebrate women's achievements.

Collectively, each one of us can help create a gender equal world.

Let's all be #EachforEqual.

Today, March 8th, 2020, is the 109th International Women's Day.

Since the world is still pretty much run by straight white men, and therefore pretty much every day is already Men's Day, we are pleased to celebrate International Women's Day (observed since 1911!)

But especially in this time of daily shocking allegations of sexual abuse against women in all areas of life, and the evidence that women are STILL paid less than men for doing the exact same amount of work in the exact same position, we observe International Women's Day now more than ever.

To the women in my life, I love you all. I wish the world was a better place for you and treated you better. In many places around the world, even in developed countries where one would not expect it, women are still seen as second class citizens. Unfortunately, misogyny is alive and well... "feminine" things always take a backseat to what is masculine. Manliness is seen as a virtue while femininity is seen as a weakness, something to be avoided or discouraged. And unfortunately, misogyny is the basis of homophobia (an unnatural fear of what is perceived as feminine).

Of course there are countries around the world where women are still literally treated as second class citizens, denied the ability to drive, vote, live alone, own property, and work at a chosen career--or they are treated like property and beaten, raped, or mutilated because they are female.

As a man, there are many things I don't have to worry about like whether or not the clothes I am wearing are too revealing so as to attract the attention of a man who might attack me, being molested or raped on the way to my car at night or even in broad daylight, being sexually assaulted at work, and having my personal feelings and ideas discounted because I am "hysterical" or because it must be "that time of the month." I have heard many stories from my female friends about what clothing they could wear if they felt safe, and about how their thoughts or suggestions were passed over at work in favor of the exact same thought or suggestion from a man. This still happens.

Now, more than ever, there's a strong call-to-action to press forward and progress gender parity. There's a strong call for motivating and uniting friends, colleagues and whole communities to think, act and be gender inclusive. Collective action and shared ownership for driving gender parity is what makes International Women's Day successful. Gloria Steinem, world-renowned feminist, journalist and activist once explained "The story of women's struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights." So make International Women's Day your day and do what you can to truly make a positive difference for women.

Visit the International Women's Day website to learn more:
https://www.internationalwomensday.com/

Happy International Women's Day 2019

International Women's Day 2019 campaign theme:
#BalanceforBetter

The future is exciting. Let's build a gender-balanced world.

Everyone has a part to play - all the time, everywhere.

From grassroots activism to worldwide action, we are entering an exciting period of history where the world expects balance. We notice its absence and celebrate its presence.

Balance drives a better working world. Let's all help create a #BalanceforBetter.

Today, March 8th, 2019, is International Women's Day.

Since the world is still pretty much run by straight white men, and therefore pretty much every day is already Men's Day, we are pleased to celebrate International Women's Day (observed since 1911!)

But especially in this time of daily shocking allegations of sexual abuse against women in all areas of life, and the evidence that women are STILL paid less than men for doing the exact same amount of work in the exact same position, we observe International Women's Day now more than ever.

To the women in my life, I love you all. I wish the world was a better place for you and treated you better. In many places around the world, even in developed countries where one would not expect it, women are still seen as second class citizens. Unfortunately, misogyny is alive and well... "feminine" things always take a backseat to what is masculine. Manliness is seen as a virtue while femininity is seen as a weakness, something to be avoided or discouraged. And unfortunately, misogyny is the basis of homophobia (an unnatural fear of what is perceived as feminine).

Of course there are countries around the world where women are still literally treated as second class citizens, denied the ability to drive, vote, live alone, own property, and work at a chosen career--or they are treated like property and beaten, raped, or mutilated because they are female.

As a man, there are many things I don't have to worry about like whether or not the clothes I am wearing are too revealing so as to attract the attention of a man who might attack me, being molested or raped on the way to my car at night or even in broad daylight, being sexually assaulted at work, and having my personal feelings and ideas discounted because I am "hysterical" or because it must be "that time of the month." I have heard many stories from my female friends about what clothing they could wear if they felt safe, and about how their thoughts or suggestions were passed over at work in favor of the exact same thought or suggestion from a man. This still happens.

Now, more than ever, there's a strong call-to-action to press forward and progress gender parity. There's a strong call for motivating and uniting friends, colleagues and whole communities to think, act and be gender inclusive. Collective action and shared ownership for driving gender parity is what makes International Women's Day successful. Gloria Steinem, world-renowned feminist, journalist and activist once explained "The story of women's struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights." So make International Women's Day your day and do what you can to truly make a positive difference for women.

Visit the International Women's Day website to learn more:
https://www.internationalwomensday.com/

Happy International Women's Day 2018

Today, March 8th, 2018, is International Women's Day.

Since the world is still pretty much run by straight white men, and therefore pretty much every day is already Men's Day, we are pleased to celebrate International Women's Day (observed since 1911!)

But especially in this time of daily shocking allegations of sexual abuse against women in all areas of life, and the evidence that women are STILL paid less than men for doing the exact same amount of work in the exact same position, we observe International Women's Day now more than ever.

To the women in my life, I love you all. I wish the world was a better place for you and treated you better. In many places around the world, even in developed countries where one would not expect it, women are still seen as second class citizens. Unfortunately, misogyny is alive and well... "feminine" things always take a backseat to what is masculine. Manliness is seen as a virtue while femininity is seen as a weakness, something to be avoided or discouraged. And unfortunately, misogyny is the basis of homophobia (an unnatural fear of what is perceived as feminine).

Of course there are countries around the world where women are still literally treated as second class citizens, denied the ability to drive, vote, live alone, own property, and work at a chosen career--or they are treated like property and beaten, raped, or mutilated because they are female.

As a man, there are many things I don't have to worry about like whether or not the clothes I am wearing are too revealing so as to attract the attention of a man who might attack me, being molested or raped on the way to my car at night or even in broad daylight, being sexually assaulted at work, and having my personal feelings and ideas discounted because I am "hysterical" or because it must be "that time of the month." I have heard many stories from my female friends about what clothing they could wear if they felt safe, and about how their thoughts or suggestions were passed over at work in favor of the exact same thought or suggestion from a man. This still happens.

Now, more than ever, there's a strong call-to-action to press forward and progress gender parity. There's a strong call to #PressforProgress motivating and uniting friends, colleagues and whole communities to think, act and be gender inclusive. Collective action and shared ownership for driving gender parity is what makes International Women's Day successful. Gloria Steinem, world-renowned feminist, journalist and activist once explained "The story of women's struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights." So make International Women's Day your day and do what you can to truly make a positive difference for women.

Visit the International Women's Day website to learn more:
http://www.internationalwomensday.com

"Sister" by Tracey Thorn

For International Women's Day, here is Tracey Thorn's new anthem/protest song "Sister" from her new release "Record."

Don't mess with me
Don't hurt my babies
I'll come for you
You'll find you've bitten off more than you can chew

You are the man
But I'm not your baby
I get so scared
I know you own the world
And I fight like a girl

But I am my mother
I am my mother now
I am my sister
And I fight like a girl

All I can do is all I'm doing
All I can stand
You trample like dirt
But I'm used to things that hurt

Oh, little man,
You're such a baby
Put up your fists
Nobody ever loved
Someone they were afraid of

I am my mother
I am my mother now
I am my sister
And I fight like a girl

Oh, what year is it?
Still arguing the same sh*t
What year is it?
Same same old sh*t

I get so scared
Tell me you'll stand beside me
Is that enough?
No nothing is enough
Nobody is that tough

And I miss my mother
I miss my mother now
Thank god for my sister
And for all the girls

And I am my mother
I am my mother now
I am my sister
And I live like a girl
And I love like a girl
And I think like a girl
And I fight like a girl,
Like a girl

http://splash.traceythorn.com/

International Women's Day 2017

Today, March 8th, 2017, is International Women's Day.

Since the world is still pretty much run by (straight white) men (and since the Monster-in-Chief and leader of the free world bragged about grabbing women by their genitals), and therefore pretty much every day is Men's Day, we are pleased to celebrate International Women's Day (observed since 1911!) and to celebrate mothers, grandmothers, sisters, daughters, nieces, aunts, wives, and friends. After all, we all, each and every one of us, came from a woman. (Thanks, Mom! I miss you!)

To the women in my life, I love you all. I wish the world was a better place for you and treated you better. In many places around the world, even in developed countries where one would not expect it, women are still seen as second class citizens. Unfortunately, misogyny is alive and well... "feminine" things always take a backseat to what is masculine. Manliness is seen as a virtue while femininity is seen as a weakness, something to be avoided or discouraged. And unfortunately, misogyny is the basis of homophobia (an unnatural fear of what is perceived as feminine).

Of course there are countries around the world where women are still literally treated as second class citizens, denied the ability to drive, vote, live alone, own property, and work at a chosen career--or they are treated like property and beaten, raped, or mutilated because they are female.

As a man, there are many things I don't have to worry about like whether or not the clothes I am wearing are too revealing so as to attract the attention of a man who might attack me, being molested or raped on the way to my car at night or even in broad daylight, being sexually assaulted at work, and having my personal feelings and ideas discounted because I am "hysterical" or because it must be "that time of the month." I have heard many stories from my female friends about what clothing they could wear if they felt safe, and about how their thoughts or suggestions were passed over at work in favor of the exact same thought or suggestion from a man. This still happens. Not all the time and not to every woman, but enough of the time and to too many women.

This year's campaign theme at the International Women's Day site is #BeBoldForChange. If you do these things already, as I do, pass it along...

How will you #BeBoldForChange ?
*I'll challenge bias and inequality
*I'll campaign against violence
*I'll forge women's advancement
*I'll celebrate women's achievement
*I'll champion women's education

Visit the International Women's Day website to learn more and for a directory, by country, of events:
http://www.internationalwomensday.com

Also visit:
http://www.equalitynow.org

International Women's Day 2016

Today, March 8th, 2016, is International Women's Day.

Since the world is still pretty much run by (straight white) men, and therefore pretty much every day is Men's Day, we are pleased to celebrate International Women's Day (observed since 1911!) and to celebrate mothers, grandmothers, sisters, daughters, nieces, aunts, wives, and friends. After all, we all, each and every one of us, came from a woman. (Thanks, Mom! I miss you!)

To the women in my life, I love you all. I wish the world was a better place for you and treated you better. In many places around the world, even in developed countries where one would not expect it, women are still seen as second class citizens. Unfortunately, misogyny is alive and well... "feminine" things always take a backseat to what is masculine. Manliness is seen as a virtue while femininity is seen as a weakness, something to be avoided or discouraged. And unfortunately, misogyny is the basis of homophobia (an unnatural fear of what is perceived as feminine).

Of course there are countries around the world where women are still literally treated as second class citizens, denied the ability to drive, vote, live alone, own property, and work at a chosen career--or they are treated like property and beaten, raped, or mutilated because they are female.

As a man, there are many things I don't have to worry about like whether or not the clothes I am wearing are too revealing so as to attract the attention of a man who might attack me, being molested or raped on the way to my car at night or even in broad daylight, being sexually assaulted at work, and having my personal feelings and ideas discounted because I am "hysterical" or because it must be "that time of the month." I have heard many stories from my female friends about what clothing they could wear if they felt safe, and about how their thoughts or suggestions were passed over at work in favor of the exact same thought or suggestion from a man. This still happens. Not all the time and not to every woman, but enough of the time and to too many women.

Take the #PledgeForParity at the International Women's Day site. If you do these things already, as I do, pass it along...

International Women's Day and beyond, I pledge to ...
*help women and girls achieve their ambitions
*challenge conscious and unconscious bias
*call for gender-balanced leadership
*value women and men's contributions equally
*create inclusive, flexible cultures

Visit the International Women's Day website to learn more and for a directory, by country, of events:
http://www.internationalwomensday.com

Also visit:
http://www.equalitynow.org

International Women's Day 2015

Today, March 8th, 2015, is International Women's Day.

Since the world is still pretty much run by (straight white) men, and therefore pretty much every day is Men's Day, we are pleased to celebrate International Women's Day (observed since 1911!) and to celebrate mothers, grandmothers, sisters, daughters, nieces, aunts, wives, and friends. After all, we all, each and every one of us, came from a woman. (Thanks, Mom! I miss you!)

To the women in my life, I love you all. I wish the world was a better place for you and treated you better. I truly believe women are still seen as second class citizens. Unfortunately, misogyny is alive and well... feminine things always take a backseat to what is masculine. Manliness is seen as a virtue while femininity is seen as a weakness, something to be avoided or discouraged. And unfortunately, misogyny is the basis of homophobia (an unnatural fear of what is perceived as feminine).

Of course there are countries around the world where women are still literally treated as second class citizens, denied the ability to drive, vote, live alone, own property, and work at a chosen career--or they are treated like property and beaten, raped, or mutilated because they are female. I am thinking particularly of the recent controversy in India over the documentary film "India's Daughter" in which the men convicted of the brutal rape, beating, and murder of a young woman on a bus in Delhi express not a bit of remorse for their actions, and in classic rape-culture logic, blame the victim. The pervasive attitude of misogyny still rules most of India.

As a man, there are many things I don't have to worry about like whether or not the clothes I am wearing are too revealing so as to attract the attention of a man who might attack me, being molested or raped on the way to my car at night or even in broad daylight, being sexually assaulted at work, and having my personal feelings and ideas discounted because I am "hysterical" or because it must be "that time of the month." I have heard many stories from my female friends about what clothing they could wear if they felt safe, and about how their thoughts or suggestions were passed over at work in favor of the exact same thought or suggestion from a man. This still happens. Not all the time and not to every woman, but enough of the time and to too many women.

Figures from Amnesty International, The US Census Bureau, and Women's Learning Partnership.

Visit the International Women's Day website to learn more and for a directory, by country, of events:
http://www.internationalwomensday.com

Also visit:
http://www.equalitynow.org

International Women's Day 2014

Today, March 8th, 2014, is International Women's Day.

Since the world is still pretty much run by (straight white) men, and therefore pretty much every day is Men's Day, we are pleased to celebrate International Women's Day (observed since 1911!) and to celebrate mothers, grandmothers, sisters, daughters, nieces, aunts, wives, and friends. After all, we all, each and every one of us, came from a woman. (Thanks, Mom! I miss you!)

To the women in my life, I love you all. I wish the world was a better place for you and treated you better. I truly believe women are still seen as second class citizens. Unfortunately, misogyny is alive and well... feminine things always take a backseat to what is masculine. Manliness is seen as a virtue while femininity is seen as a weakness, something to be avoided or discouraged. And unfortunately, misogyny is the basis of homophobia (an unnatural fear of what is perceived as feminine).

Of course there are countries around the world where women are still literally treated as second class citizens, denied the ability to drive, vote, live alone, own property, and work at a chosen career--or they are treated like property and beaten, raped, or mutilated because they are female.

As a man, there are many things I don't have to worry about like whether or not the clothes I am wearing are too revealing so as to attract the attention of a man who might attack me, being molested or raped on the way to my car at night--or even in broad daylight, being sexually assaulted at work, and having my personal feelings and ideas discounted because I am "hysterical" or because it must be "that time of the month." I have heard many stories from my female friends about what clothing they could wear if they felt safe, and about how their thoughts or suggestions were passed over at work in favor of the exact same thought or suggestion from a man. This still happens. Not all the time and not to every woman, but enough of the time and to too many women.

Figures from Amnesty International, The US Census Bureau, and Women's Learning Partnership.

Visit the International Women's Day website to learn more and for a directory, by country, of events.
http://www.internationalwomensday.com/

Also visit:
http://www.equalitynow.org/english/index.html

International Women's Day 2013

Today, March 8th, 2013, is International Women's Day.

Since the world is still pretty much run by (straight white) men, and pretty much every day is Men's Day, we are pleased to celebrate International Women's Day and to celebrate mothers, grandmothers, sisters, daughters, nieces, aunts, wives, and friends. After all, we all, each and every one of us, came from a woman. (Thanks, Mom!)

To the women in my life, I love you all. I wish the world was a better place for you and treated you better. I truly believe women are still seen as second class citizens. Unfortunately, misogyny is alive and well... feminine things always take a backseat to what is masculine. Manliness is seen as a virtue while femininity is seen as a weakness, something to be avoided or discouraged. And unfortunately, misogyny is the basis of homophobia (an unnatural fear of what is perceived as feminine).

Figures from Amnesty International, The US Census Bureau, and Women's Learning Partnership.

Of course there are countries around the world where women are still literally treated as second class citizens, denied the ability to drive, vote, live alone, own property, and work at a chosen career--or they are treated like property and beaten, raped, mutilated, or aborted even before they are born because they are female.

As a man, there are many things I don't have to worry about like whether or not the clothes I am wearing are too revealing so as to attract the attention of a man who might attack me, being molested or raped on the way to my car at night--or even in broad daylight, being sexually assaulted at work, and having my personal feelings and ideas discounted because I am "hysterical" or because it must be "that time of the month." I have heard many stories from my female friends about what clothing they could wear if they felt safe, and about how their thoughts or suggestions were passed over at work in favor of the exact same thought or suggestion from a man. This still happens. Not all the time and not to every woman, but enough of the time and to too many women.

http://www.internationalwomensday.com/
http://www.equalitynow.org/english/index.html
http://www.weareequals.org/