Celebrating International Women's Day in Surrey‏

International Women’s Day (8th March) is dedicated to the celebration of women’s social, economic and political achievements worldwide. That Day has been observed since in the early 1900's, a time of great expansion and turbulence in the industrialized world that saw booming population growth and the rise of radical ideologies.

In the United States, this official day of observance is rooted in women’s efforts to campaign for rights to work, vote and hold public office, when on March 8, 1908, around 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter work hours, better pay, voting rights and an end to child labor. In 1910 at the Second International Conference of socialist women which took place in Copenhagen, Denmark, the German socialist leader, Clara Zetkin, proposed to create an international day for women, so as to recognize the struggle undertaken by women worldwide.

After that congress, the concept gained recognition in the international community and grew momentum as women across Europe continued to fight for the right to work and protest against ensuing world conflicts. Since 1910, International Women's Day has been widely accepted on a global scale, in developed and developing countries alike. In accordance with a declaration by the Socialist Party of America, the first National Woman's Day was observed across the United States on 28 February.

Women continued to celebrate it on the last Sunday of that month through 1913. International Women's Day, formalized by the United Nations in 1977, not only reminds us about the victories of women, but also invites us to reflect upon the role and status of women in the world at large.Today, International Women’s Day marks an occasion for celebration as well as critical reflection on the world’s progress towards achieving gender equity.

Annually on 8 March, thousands of events are held throughout the world to inspire women and celebrate their achievements. In recognition of women's struggle, Fraser Valley Peace Council has arranged a rally on Sunday, 8th March 2009, here in Surrey BC.

Please join us and be part of global celebration for the economic, political and social achievements of women.

We are looking forward to see you and your family there.

Fraser Valley Peace Council 604-613-0735