International Women's Day originated on March 8th, 1907, when the women garment workers of New York went on strike for a living wage and a 10-hour day. In the same city on the same day a year later, women needle-workers went on strike to end sweatshops and child labour. From then on, March 8th became recognised as a date to inspire women worldwide in their fight for their rights. In 1978, it was officially recognised by the United Nations. For more on women's history: http://womenshistory.miningco.com/ homework/womenshistory/
The National Women's Council of Ireland's revamped website lists contact details of its affiliated members, which include most women's organisations in the Republic, plus an archive of its reports and policy documents and a discussion forum. You can also read the NWCI's quarterly magazine online at: www.nwci.ie
Last year, Irish women called for a global women's strike on March 8th, and women in 64 countries downed tools for the day. According to the Irish page of the strike website, 58 per cent of Irish women are working in the home, without wages or recognition, and the State saves £471 million a year in the non-profit sector of the economy by the use of 34,000 unpaid volunteer workers. In Africa, women and girls grow 80 per cent of the food consumed there. This year, the campaigners are calling for payment for all carers, pay equality, abolition of Third World debt and protection from violence. Learn about the second global strike at: http://womenstrike8m.server101.com/
There are so many women's websites, it can be difficult to know where to look. One useful list of resources includes e-zines such as the anarchic "Wild Wolf Women of the Web" and "Smartgirl" for teenage girls; communities such as women.com and wwwomen.com, plus educational sites and professional women's networks. At: www.wic.org/misc/resource.htm
Celebrate International Women's Day by sending e-cards to the women in your life from: http://www.eforu.com/cards/ international-women's-day/ or http:// www.bluemountain.com/eng/women/
Discover what women around the world are up to, at the webzine, "Aviva". Click on the map for women's news, events, groups and resources. Events listed include Women's Week at the British Museum, a Canadian conference on women in Northern Ireland and an international women's film festival in Germany. Or send your own listings to www.aviva.org
Next week: St Patrick's Day
smarriott@irish-times.ie
