International Women’s Day 2011

International Women’s Day (IWD) takes place on March 8, every year. This year is special because the event is celebrating its 100th birthday.

You may have noticed that Google created an International Women's Day Doodle today. When you click on the image, it shows a page about how women can celebrate by attending a bridge event, or by checking in virtually:




Another interesting video was made by We Are Equals to mark International Women's Day. EQUALS is a partnership of leading charities brought together by Annie Lennox to celebrate the centenary of International Women's Day.

The thought-provoking video stars the James Bond actor, Daniel Craig:




Related blog posts:
100th anniversary of International Women’s Day
British mothers still not equal to British fathers!

100th anniversary of International Women’s Day

The Journey of Women's Rights: 1911-2011

International Women's Day

Today is International Women's Day (IWD)

The 2010 theme: Equal rights, equal opportunities: Progress for all

I think it's apropos to connect this day to my quest for equal rights to British citizenship. This article, Misogyny is Alive and Well Among British Lawmakers - explains exactly how unfair the Borders Immigration & Citizenship Act 2009 is.

Children born abroad to (married) British fathers get automatic citizenship. The law was amended to correct the inequality regarding citizenship for children born abroad to British mothers but it still discriminates. The "children" (now adults) of British mothers have to register and pay £540 and attend a ceremony to attain British citizenship. Citizenship is not automatic.

What about equal rights for British mothers to be able to pass on their citizenship the same as British fathers have always been able to?

Please add your name to the petition:  http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/UKmothers/

Need inspiration? Watch this video by Aimee Mullins

Aimee Mullins: How my legs give me super-powers Athlete, actor and activist Aimee Mullins talks about her prosthetic legs -- she's got a dozen amazing pairs -- and the superpowers they grant her: speed, beauty, an extra 6 inches of height ... Quite simply, she redefines what the body can be. (link via TED.com recommended by parent hacks) Read more about Aimee Mullins on Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Women make history as Chelsea Pensioners

Female army veterans become first women Chelsea pensioners Royal Hospital, Chelsea, takes new step after 300 years One of the army's oldest institutions took the arrival of two pioneers from what some – but not old soldiers – might think of as the monstrous regiment of women in its stride today, as two female veterans became the first women Chelsea pensioners. It has taken the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, founded by Charles II in 1682 for "the succour and relief of veterans broken by age and war", more than 300 years to accept women army veterans; though Dorothy Hughes and Winifred Phillips, both in their 80s, looked very far from broken as they posed in their new uniforms. (link via guardian.co.uk) This is wonderful news. Congratulations Dorothy and Winifred! Well done! Related link on the web: The Royal Hospital Chelsea - The Home of The Chelsea Pensioner

The most powerful women in British theatre

Judi Dench and Helen Mirren ranked among powers of theatre The veteran actresses are among a clutch of stars including Rachel Weisz and Rosamund Pike to appear in a list of the 20 most powerful women in British theatre. The American actress Gillian Anderson, who has been described as an "honorary Brit", also makes the power list compiled by Harper's Bazaar and the jeweller Tiffany & Co. (link via telegraph.co.uk)