One in Three Women

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

Those who are fighting for their own liberation and that of their societies are embarked on a long-term struggle. It is not a race for the sprinter but for the long-distance runner. Let women equip themselves to win this race.--Awa Thiam

March 8th, International Women’s Day (IWD), is a time to assess our progress in this race. It is a day for women and men to pause in appreciation of our common global struggle, recognize our achievements, and revitalize our energy for the next lap.

It was just about a hundred years ago that groups of imaginative women labor organizers and peace activists came together in Europe, the United States (U.S.) and Australia to promote IWD. The idea took off in 1975 when the United Nations (UN) formally recognized it, and before long it was officially sanctioned by heads of state and established international institutions. This article celebrates IWD by recalling important events in the development of the international women’s movement, with special emphasis on campaigns to stop sexual violence and abuse in intimate relationships and families.

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