1. IWW

2. In 1975, International Women's Year, the United Nations began celebrating March 8 as International Women's Day In 1977, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution calling on member states to proclaim a day for women's rights. The theme for 2009 is: “Women and men united to end violence against women and girls” http://www.un.org/womenwatch/feature/iwd/

3. “Canada's theme for International Women's Day/Week 2009 is Strong Leadership. Strong Women. Strong World: Equality.” “The theme reflects the government's firm belief that increasing women's participation and access to leadership roles and opportunities will help women and girls thrive, reach their full potential and fulfill their dreams, and help build a more prosperous Canada.” http://www.swc-cfc.gc.ca/dates/iwd-jif/index-eng.html

4. History of See http://www.un.org/womenwatch/feature/iwd/history.htmlhttp://www.un.org/womenwatch/feature/iwd/history.html International Women’s Day first emerged from the activities of labour movements at the turn of the twentieth century in North America and across Europe.

5. 1909: The first National Woman's Day was observed in the United States on 28 February. The Socialist Party of America designated this day in honour of the 1908 garment workers’ strike in New York, where women protested against working conditions.

6. 1913-1914: International Women's Day also became a mechanism for protesting World War I. As part of the peace movement, Russian women observed their first International Women’s Day on the last Sunday in February. Elsewhere in Europe, on or around 8 March of the following year, women held rallies either to protest the war or to express solidarity with other activists.

7. Celebrated in many countries in the way that some countries celebrate “mother’s day”: But for ALL women, and girls, not just mothers.