Established in response to poor and unsafe working conditions, the first International Women's Day took place on March 19, 1911 with more than one million women and men in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland participating.
One century later, next Tuesday (March 8) will mark the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day (IWD) and events celebrating the advances and achievements of women will take place worldwide.
One such local celebration will be part of "the largest gathering of women for IWD in history," spearheaded by The Women's Information Network - an online media and social community for women found at www.thewinonline.com,
"When I discovered the incredible vision they hold for this year - the largest gathering of women in the world from 176 countries, I thought, "THAT doesn't come along often!" said local organizer Melanie Anne Bitner. "The opportunity to hold our own local event and be a part of this global movement was just too inspiring to pass up."
With proceeds going to the Howe Sound Women's Centre (HSWC), the 100th anniversary Sea to Sky Celebration "is a perfect opportunity to expand personal and professional connections" and a time "to look to the future at what [women] wish to create in the next 100 years," Bitner said.
The evening will take place at the Brew Creek Centre between Whistler and Squamish and includes a dialogue led by an award-winning international guest speaker, an organic three-course meal prepared by a top Whistler chef, and live musical entertainment. Tickets can still be purchased online at www.betterworldforwomen.com/event/.
"With this event, I hope women forge new alliances, friendships and working relationships so that each woman present has even more support in getting their goals and dreams," Bitner said.
Women in Squamish will also have the opportunity to gather together on IWD during the open house at the Howe Sound Women's Centre - due to mark its own 30th anniversary later this year.
"We'll just open up our doors so people can tour our facility," said HSWC women's programs manager Shannon Cooley Herdman. "Our multicultural outreach program is going to be making homemade samosas for everybody to enjoy. If you're a samosa lover, I'd come early."
The event will begin at 1 p.m. with opening remarks by two young women from the Squamish Nation who have approached the women's centre, requesting the opportunity to speak on IWD.
"I can see them as young leaders-to-be within the Squamish area," Herdman said. "They want the experience of putting themselves out there and honouring women in the community."
Visitors will be able to relax in the comfortable common area and listen to live music, and staff will be on hand to offer tours and answer any questions about how the centre's free programs operate.
"We invite anyone who's been interested in visiting the women's centre and hasn't yet to come on down," Herdman said.
The Squamish women's centre will also benefit from a third local initiative taking place on Tuesday. Kristen McBride is a sales director for Mary Kay Canada and, in celebration of IWD and the Mary Kay Global Month of Service (Feb. 8 to March 8), has organized a hot dog sale at Nesters Market between 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. For a donation of $2, guests will receive a hot dog and drink, while for a $1 donation, they'll receive a pink cupcake. Half of the proceeds will go to the women's centre and the other half will go toward the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation, which helps women dealing with cancer and violence.
"Mary Kay Ashwas, and still is, a very big advocate for women," McBride said. "Mary Kay Ash believed that motivation, recognition and an unlimited opportunity could transform women and empower them to achieve a better life for themselves and their families.
"She gave hope to women who lacked opportunity, self-esteem and financial support."
Each year for IWD, organizations, governments and women's groups around the world choose different themes. For 2011, the theme selected by Status Woman Canada is Girls' Rights Matter, complementing the U.N. theme of equal access to education, training and science and technology.
"I am very grateful for the women who went before my mother, my grandmothers we are in essence standing on the shoulders of their hard-fought victories," Bitner said. " and in certain parts of the world the conditions for women are actually deteriorating right now. It is important to recognize our achievements and equally important to continue to raise awareness and influence change wherever we can."
Over time, IWD has grown into a week-long series of events and activities across the country. International Women's Week (IWW) 2011 begins Sunday (March 6) and wraps up on Saturday, March 12. Visit www.internationalwomensday.com to find out more.
