Why we celebrate International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day is being celebrated around the world today, March 8.

The day is a celebration of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, not just today but of days gone by.

While the current International Women’s Day events are more likely to be social events, the day once involved marching, calling for women’s rights, including equal pay.

This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is ‘Be bold for change’’ but lets look at the changes that have happened over year years so far.

Watch this International Women’s Day video to remember the women who have contributed to the life we now enjoy today.

Did you know:

In 1885 the first woman graduated from Sydney University.

1890 saw the first female registered doctor in Australia.

It was 1902 when women were given the right to vote and also the right to be elected to parliament.

In that same year a woman named Edna Evans graduated in law from Sydney university but she was not allowed to practice until 1918.

1908 saw the birth of International Women’s Day in the US.

Edith Cowan became the first woman in Parliament in 1921.

In 1932 an act was introduced in New South Wales that meant women had to resign from teaching positions when they got married. This was repealed in 1947.

In 1950 the female basic wage was set at 75% of the male wage. It was set at 54% in 1907.

The 60s saw the introduction of the contraceptive pill which was initially only available to married women, and also women being allowed in the public bar.

The 70s brings maternity leave for women in the Australian Public Service, and equal female minimum wage.

It was only in 1984 that the Sex Discrimination Act came into force, where it was against the law to discriminate on the basis of gender, sexuality, marital status, family responsibility or if they were pregnant.

Australia saw Julia Gillard elected as the first prime minister in 2010.

International Women’s Day continues the call to action for accelerating gender parity and yes, #BeBoldForChange 

International Women’s Day had already been celebrated in some regions, through morning and afternoon tea events, luncheons and dinners, with more to be held today and throughout the week.

Did you attend an International Women’s Day event? Send us your photos – email [email protected] with details, including the event location.