On Thursday, March 8, 2018, women across the world celebrate the various achievements and advancements made by women throughout history, science and many other fields of study while also calling for greater equality for women around the world. On several continents, women march to raise awareness for women’s contributions toward humanity and movements, such as ME Too, that support women’s rights throughout the world.

The first National Women’s Day was held on February 28, 1909 to protest working conditions. In 1910, International Women’s Day was established to honor women’s rights and encourage universal suffrage by a conference of over 100 women from 17 different countries; however, an official day was not marked. One year later, the first International Women’s Day was celebrated on March 19 with over a million protesters marching in Europe alone. The United Nations officially set March 8 as International Women’s Day in 1975, finally setting an official day for it.

In New York City today, women rallied at Washington State Park and marched to Zuccotti Park (also where the Occupy Wall Street movement was held). Meanwhile in Atlanta, the Women’s Chamber of Commerce hosted a luncheon to discuss the state of women and to kickoff an initiative to help female business owners. On the West Coast, San Francisco held a benefit for female migrant farm workers, featuring aspects of migrant dance, music and other components of culture. Across the Atlantic Ocean, London hosted a “March4Women” on March 4 and will be showcasing various women’s talents, including an art show and live music in Camden.

Even though it is officially one day, events will be happening all week and into this weekend. Some organizers are hoping to use the day as a way to launch the new movement “Push for Progress” which will serve as a theme for similar initiatives throughout the year. Some initiatives were already started before today with the USA Olympic Women’s Hockey team starting the “Be Bold for Change” movement to demand for equal pay.

A full list of events happening around the world can be found at https://www.internationalwomensday.com along with teaching tools for parents and teachers such as fact sheets and coloring activities. International Men’s Day will be celebrated on November 19 to promote improved health for males, positive male role models and better gender relations.