International Women's Day 2014

The first International Women's Day was held in 1911 when millions of men and women in Austria, Germany, Switzerland and Denmark held rallies calling for an  end to sex discrimination and the advancement of women's rights.

Since then International Women's Day  has become an annual celebration which is marked on 8th March, with events taking place all over the world. The theme this year is "Inspiring Change". Each year the UN also has a theme to mark the event and this year it is - "Equality for women is progress for all".

I for one rejoice in the fact that the issues around feminism and gender quality have gained  such a high profile backing. Worldwide  the advancement of women and girls in the social, political and economic arenas is a call for celebration.  However, there's still much to be done and a political initiative like this goes someway to giving a platform for the issues.

Here in the UK only this week a successful campaign led by the Because I am a Girl lobby has led to the first government ever legislating to ensure that a certain amount of the aid budget promotes gender equality. The UK government has also said that it intends to lead international action on the issue of child marriage.

I'll end with a few inspiring quotes from women around the world. Have fun.

To all my women readers around the world have a wonderful day, week, year!