To our readers–and all women–around the globe.
Today marks the 99th such observation, although the roots of International Women’s Day go back even further, to 1908, when 15,000 New York women marched for their labor rights (and my little socialist heart sings!).
This year’s theme is “Equal Rights, Equal Opportunities: Progress for All, and nearly 750 events have already been registered with the IWD site. You can search for them by country here. (The UK has tons!)
Even though IWD isn’t an official holiday in the US, as it is many other countries, there are a number of events in NYC, and my choice of celebration is a screening and networking event hosted by RAHA Iranian Women’s Collective, at Alwan for the Arts here in New York. (And BeckySharper, there will be cake!)
How are you celebrating?
Er, well since I didn’t know this was on the calendar, I didn’t plan any celebration, although I will be looking for cake. I’m still grinning over Kathryn Bigeow’s win, so that’s one thing.
A current event to add to the list of things to celebrate today: An Oscar Win for International Women’s Day! Pretty nice timing, no?
Mmmmm…cake.
Also, ladies, today also marks the birthday of one of our favorite male feminists, PhDork’s Dude. Happy birthday, Dude!
The Dude abides!
Excellent, indeed, FemRev! Great Post!
I have yet to do anything to celebrate. However, I was called a man-hater and told I have a stick up my ass, so maybe I’ll hold my partying for next year…
@ImTheMarigold you are probably doing something right
rodriguez beat me to it! Marigold, you deserve a special International Women’s Day commendation, and an extra-big slice of cake! The only times I hear women being called “man-haters” are times when doodz are all backlash-y about being forced to think beyond themselves.
Yeah, all I did was ask a man to update his vocabulary. Specifically you don’t get “raped” at ballparks for the price of beer. I was really polite, said it was in poor taste. Obviously I hate men. I can’t believe it. I HATE MEN. It is so clear to me now. I don’t know why I didn’t realize it until now. Rushing home to tell the BF of 8 yrs. He’ll be so happy.
@ImtheMarigold: I hereby present you with the International Women’s Day Feminazi Bonerkiller Award. It comes with layer cake, champagne, and a big gold trophy of a shriveled penis, suitable for displaying at your workplace.
Good for you for Being a Bitch!
Well that just turned my whole day around, thank you! I wish it was a real trophy for my office, I would totally display it. Esp since more often than not, I tell my annoying co-irkers to “suck it.” Hmm….
Do you know what I like best about my job?
My co-workers.
Do you know why?
For example, Because my boss remembered that today is International Women’s Day, and wished the ladies in my office a “Happy Women’s Day!”
We’re in the US where it’s not really much of a holiday but he’s from Europe & apparently in his home country it’s a bigger deal where he’s from. No one mentioned it to him. He just remembered by himself.
I just had that on my mind all day.
For celebration I… well I went to the store and I got some of my self-care things. I’m not planning on writing or blogging anything special today because I’m still learning the history of this day.
yeah I think it’s bigger overseas, my only Intl Women’s day greetings, besides Harpyness, came from overseas.
Marigold I looked all around for an image of a winged penis that was shriveled, or something…but then I got lost looking at the Carravaggios http://www.lib-art.com/imgpainting/9/7/8079-st-john-the-baptist-caravaggio.jpg
Hurray! I wasn’t aware of this special day but since I am now, I’m making myself cookies.
That’s right. Not to share, for no one else, for me (my favorite she-devil is on holiday otherwise I would share). And I will continue celebrating by eating the entire dozen until they are gone (take THAT, womens-body-police).
@ImTheMarigold
That guy wouldn’t be saying that if he had a very real risk and knowledge of being raped. It’s one of those things that the privilaged can claim and it still won’t make it right.
I’ve never heard of this holiday before. It just makes me thing of the “International Male” catalog. Something must be wrong with my brain.
Apologies for my incorrect spelling. Thing = think. But I’m sure you all figured that one out.
Well, I’m a day late, but I’m “celebrating” by helping my ex’s wife get a permanent restraining order against him! Specifically, by signing an affidavit in which I detail abusive behaviors that he engaged in with me in order to help her establish evidence of a pattern. I’ve never spoken out about it before, but I’m glad to do it now–and hopeful that it will help. Up with women, and down with abusive jerks!
That’s amazing, philosophyerin. Like, lump-in-my-throat amazing.
@PhDork: It will be even more amazing if it actually works! Apparently if you *say* you didn’t violate a protective order, that’s enough to scare off law enforcement from actually prosecuting. Cuz, you know, teh ladeez are always making shit up about getting stalked and junk.