Written by Molly Lee (DMU Journalism student)
International Women’s Day (IWD) is annually celebrated on the 8th of March to recognise the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. It is also a call to action to advance gender equality. As a student, you can celebrate IWD by learning about inspiring women, supporting women-owned businesses, attending events and more.
Quick history of IWD
IWD originated in the 1900s to advocate for women’s rights during a time of expansion and turbulence in the industrialised world. 1908 saw 15,000 women march to New York City to demand better pay, shorter hours and the right to vote. A year later, the first National Woman’s Day in the United States was observed on the 28th of February and continued to be held on the last Sunday of February until 1913.
At the second International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen in 1910, Clara Zetkin (Leader of the Women’s Office for the Social Democratic Party in Germany) suggested the idea of IWD. Following on from this, IWD was first honoured in Austria, Germany and Switzerland on the 19th of March 1911. Ten years later, the date was changed to the 8th of March every year, the date we observe it still to this day.
University of Leicester events
UOL are proud to be hosting a range of events throughout the week of IWD and for the rest of the month.
At the Danielle Brown Sports Centre on IWD, will be a series of activities and sessions including a paint and sip, women’s only gym and multisport activities. You can view the full range of events hosted by UOL for IWD here.
DMU’s IWD event
On the 7th of March at DMU’S Students’ Union building, you can get involved with a night of music, poetry and inspiration. The evening will consist of live music, poetry and inspiring guest speakers, all organised by DMU’s Women’s Liberation Officer, Paige Billings.
You can prebook your tickets online for £5 or pay what you can on the doors.
Have you not chosen your accommodation yet for the next academic year? Don’t worry, there are still plenty of properties available via Sulets. Search for rooms here 👉 sulets.com/search-results or contact Sulets by email on enquiries@sulets.com or by phone at 0116 467 0315.