Post Category - Family LifeFamily LifeLet’s Hear It For The Girls!
Today is International Women’s Day – a whole 24 hours dedicated to celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women globally, and a big reminder that there’s still a long way to go before we’re recognised as equal (yup, even in this day and age…). But that’s not to say that women shouldn’t be celebrated everyday, right?! And aside from feeling pumped and gathering your gal pals for a night out and a high-five, do you actually know the story behind International Women’s Day and what it means around the world? We’ve done a bit of research to bring you a bite-sized breakdown. Here’s to girl power and wonderful women, mamas!
This is the 106th International Women’s Day. It has been observed since the early 1900s and is now recognised each year on 8 March. It’s not affiliated with any one group, but brings together governments, women’s organisations, corporations and charities. The roots can be traced to 1908 when 15,000 women marched through New York City, USA demanding voting rights, better pay and shorter working hours. In 1910, a woman called Clara Zetkin, leader of the ‘women’s office’ for the Social Democratic Party in Germany, tabled the idea of an International Women’s Day. She suggested that every country should celebrate women on one day every year to push for their demands.
A conference of more than 100 women from 17 countries agreed to her suggestion and IWD was formed. In 1911, it was celebrated for the first time in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland on 19 March.
In 1913, it was decided to transfer IWD to 8 March, and it has been celebrated on that day ever since. The day was recognised by the UN in 1975, who create a theme each year.
International Women’s Day is marked around the world with arts performances, talks, rallies, networking events, conferences and marches.
Last year, there was a Google Doodle marking the celebration featuring women and girls across the world who complete the sentence ‘One day I will’, talking about their dreams and ambitions.” This year, International Women’s Day is asking you to #BeBoldForChange and help create a more equal footing for women in the workplace (you can submit your idea or action via the IWD website…).
Love the idea of International Women’s Day and want to celebrate it in Dubai? Here are four events dedicated especially to this fabulous, feminine cause…
Vox Cinema’s WOW Film Fair
Today is the last day of the fourth edition of the World of Women’s Cinema – WOW Film Fair Middle East, held in association with VOX Cinemas, Mall of the Emirates, featuring around 58 films predominantly by female directors, producers, writers, editors and cinematographers committed to empowering women on and off the screen.
For information, visit www.wowmiddleeast.com
The Emirates Airline Festival Of Literature ‘Be Bold For Change’ Panel Discussion
To celebrate International Women’s Day, the Lit Fest crew have brought together a diverse panel of authors to discuss the theme ‘Be Bold For Change.’ Three inspiring women who have made changes in their countries, and an equally inspiring man who has stood up for equality time and again, speak about their own experiences and about what can be done to empower women, achieve gender equality, and bring about positive change.
Saturday, 11 March, 11.30am-12.30pm Al Ras 3, InterContinental
Authors: Candy Gourlay, Jo Malone, Kei Miller, Noura Al Noman
AED 75 per ticket
www.tickets.emirateslitfest.com
Gaucho Dubai is offering women glowing health and wellness with their Saturday Retreat package throughout March. Starting with a 60-minute yoga class and followed by a special ‘feel good’ menu with just around 500 calories, while nutritionist and lifestyle consultant, Jill Dumas gives you a masterclass on celebrating a healthy you.
Gaucho Dubai, DIFC
Cost AED 230 (includes yoga mat rental, carrot and ginger booster drink, unlimited cucumber infused water, yoga class, nutritionist session and Feel Good 3 course lunch)
March 4, 11, 18 and 25
10am Yoga Class; 11am Nutritionist session; 12pm to 3pm Lunch
www.gauchorestaurants.com/restaurants/dubai/
The Armani Spa is offering a complimentary body scrub or express facial (plus exclusive access to the Armani Terme thermal bathing facilities and spa lounge) with the purchase of any 80 minute treatment. Heavenly.
Armani Hotel, Downtown Dubai
From AED 250
March 5 to 11
www.armanihoteldubai.com/en/spa
Featured image via Pinterest
