International Women's Month

Tuesday 17th February 2009

It’s International Women’s Month and London is already abuzz with female empowering activities and events to come! ‘But, what is International Women’s Month?’ you ask yourself? Read on and Xcel will clue you up about the month all geared towards girl-power!

WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT?
International Women’s Month is a worldwide event held every March that marks the celebration of economic, political and social achievements by women all over the globe, which incorporates International Women’s Day on March 8th.

The idea of International Women’s Day was conceived at the turn of the 20th-century when industrial growth and soaring population led to protests over working conditions, particularly amongst women. Oppression and inequality drove women to become more vocal about campaigning for change, and in 1908 a whopping 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter hours, better pay and voting rights. The march had such a powerful effect that the Socialist Party of America declared the first ‘National Woman's Day’ on February 28th 1909.

One year later, an international women’s conference was held in Copenhagen, Denmark where Clara Zetkin, the leader of the Women’s Office for the Social Democratic Party in Germany, proposed the idea of an International Women's Day in which every country would hold a celebration in honour of the movement for women’s rights. The idea was met with a unanimous vote from 17 countries and International Women’s Day was officially established.

Following the vote, one million people around the world held a demonstration demanding the rights of women in the hopes to end discrimination, which consequently spurred the growth and recognition of International’s Women’s Day.

International Women's Day was later transferred to March 8th in 1913 and has remained the global date ever since, with over 10 countries marking it as an official holiday and large-scale events held in many other countries all over the world, all in the name of celebrating the continuing achievements of women!


HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?
There are many events around London to take part in that commemorate International Women’s Day, such as exciting workshops, inspirational lectures and powerful discussions. Below are great events this March that you won’t want to miss!

Million Women Rise March & Rally
Date: 7th March 2009
Time: 12pm - 6pm

A women-and-children-only march that starts in Oxford Street and ends in Piccadilly Circus that aims to empower and unite females, as well as to demonstrate an end to male violence against women, with a rally held at Waterloo Place post-march to celebrate.

Visit www.millionwomenrise.com to find out more.


Birds Eye View Film Festival
Date: 5th – 18th March 2009

The nationally and internationally acclaimed film festival takes place at the BFI and showcases the best features, documentaries and short films made by women filmmakers around the world. The festival also includes training programmes and workshops that focus on technical and creative skills, with fun parties to attend at the close of each day.

Visit www.birds-eye-view.co.uk to find out more.



Global Women
Date: 14th March 2009
Time: 11am – 5pm

A free day out for women, which includes fun activities, entertainment, speeches, as well as The 2009 Unsung Women's Awards, plus much more.

Visit www.haringey.gov.uk/index/council/how_the_council_works/equalities/equalities_diversity_events/iwd.htm to find out more.


WHAT’S THERE TO SEE?
If you don’t feel like getting stuck-in to the festivities but prefer to hang back, there are plenty of equally exciting things to see that don’t involve active participation. Check out some of them below.


Not a Feminist Art Show!
Date: 4th March 2009
Time: 19.30pm – 10.30pm

Sixteen artists exhibit an exhilarating and diverse collection of artwork that ranges from painting and sculpture to video and photography, which aims to raise a discussion about the word ‘feminism’.

Visit www.notafeministartshow.com to find out more.


Celebrity Funny Women
Date: 8th March 2009
Time: 6pm – 8.45pm

Supported by ActionAid, popular celebrity hosts are trained by well-known female comedians and given the daunting task of performing live stand-up comedy onstage at The London Studios in a challenge to become a Funny Woman.

Visit www.funnywomen.com to find out more.


Tina Turner Live at the O2
Date: 8th March 2009
Time: 6.30pm – 9.30pm

Female icon Tina Turner performs live at London's O2 for an explosive show. A true survivor, Turner will perform such hits as ‘What’s Love Got To Do With It’ and ‘We Don’t Need Another Hero’, which is sure to be an inspirational way to celebrate International Women’s Day!

Visit www.theo2.co.uk/event/tina-turner-20090303.html to find out more.

PUBLISHED IN XCEL MAGAZINE