2009 International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated in many countries. With an events program that now stretches over the full week leading up to 8 March, this is a significant week for looking back on past struggles and accomplishments, but more importantly, for honouring women and their actions and achievements.
In 2009, in the spirit of women’s participation and leadership, the Office of Women’s Policy celebrations for IWD focused on ‘women and men: united to end violence against women’ – the UN theme for 2009.
As part of these celebrations, the Minister for Women’s Affair, Minister Maxine Morand MP announced the 2009 Victorian Honour Roll of Women inductees. The cocktail presentation celebrated the outstanding activities and achievements of the new inductees, achievements that have brought about changes to the lives of Victorian women and their communities.
Nominees for the Victorian Honour Roll of Women are drawn from a range of backgrounds including education, health services, the environment, volunteers and the community. Nominations for the 2010 Victorian Honour Roll will open in mid 2009.
Host your own IWD event
Have you thought about having an IWD event in your workplace, neighbourhood, school or community centre? Plan ahead for 2010:
- Host a morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea or dinner;
- Hold an exhibition in your workplace, local library or community centre on how women are and have contributed to your work, profession or organisation;
- Stage a music event featuring women musicians;
- Read a book on women’s issues or written by a female author in March 2009 and discuss with your book group;
- Invite a well known woman, politician or ‘local hero’ to talk to your organisation about the contribution women make the community;
- Hold a debate about issues that affect women;
- Invite the women’s groups and community organisations in your community to a barbeque and celebrate IWD;
- Hold an exhibition to celebrate the ‘Diversity of Women’ representing all cultures and nationalities;
- Enjoy a film night and celebrate great women actors and directors, or
- Attend an International Women’s Day event or activity. View our calendar of events.
International Women’s Day ribbons and posters
To promote awareness of International Women’s Day, and its history, International Women’s Day posters and ribbons featuring the colours of violet, green and white were made available from the Office of Women’s Policy.
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History of International Women’s Day
The first IWD was held on 19 March 1911 when over a million European women united calling for the right of women to vote, work and hold public office. The rally was motivated by a protest held in New York in 1908, organised by the Women’s Social and Political Union to rebel against poor working conditions and child labour. The women wore the colours of green (hope and new life), violet (dignity and self respect) and white (purity). In 1910 an international conference of women voted to hold a yearly International Women’s Day.
The first IWD in Australia was held in 1928. In December 1977, the General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming a United Nations Day for Women's Rights and International Peace to be observed by Member States, in accordance with their historical and national traditions. In adopting its resolution, the General Assembly recognised the role of women in peace efforts and development and urged an end to discrimination and an increase of support for women’s full and equal participation.
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