This year marks the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day (IWD) the day when we remember and continue the fight for equality between men and women – in the home, in social life and, not least, in the workplace.
In fact IWD has from its beginnings reflected the issues women face as workers and as members of the wider labour movement. At the same time it expresses women’s need to organise independently to ensure that their needs are put firmly on the labour movement’s agenda.
IWD had its origins in 1908 in New York when women garment makers demonstrated against their terrible working conditions where they were earning half of the men’s pay. At the same time they had no right to vote.
In 1910 an international conference of women decided that a day each year should be used to agitate for the rights of women. Since then, IWD has been held around the world on March 8th.
IWD has been marked in Australia since 1928 when the organisers put forward demands for equal pay for equal work, an 8 hour day for shop girls, no piece work, the basic wage for the unemployed and annual holidays on full pay.
This year the Australian union movement has marked the day by drawing attention to the 18% gender wage gap that still exists in Australia and calling for a redoubled national effort to remove barriers to women’s participation in the workforce.
The 100th anniversary of IWD is being marked by a series of activities in most states, including rallies, public lectures and social events, stretching over more than a week. Check out events in your area and support the ongoing fight for social justice for women.
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