International Women's Day - March 8

In 1909, more than 15,000 women workers marched through New York City to demand higher wages, shorter hours, and voting rights, inspiring similar actions across the world. At a Socialist International conference, women decided to designate a day for women to rally for and continue to make gender equity demands. In 1977, March 8 officially became the UN Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace.

Instructional    resources

Click on an image below to view the webpage in its entirety.

Quick video discussion: Why are equal rights for women important? (Middle & High School)

Two-period lesson plan. Need access to documentary "He Named Me Malala" (2015) (Middle & High School)

Rent on YouTube

This toolkit will help you determine if your school’s discipline policy treats girls of Color fairly. Use this guide to learn your rights, ways in which you can change your school policy, and where to find help.

Photo   & Print resources

Click on the image below to access images and resources to mark International Women's Day at your school site.

One of the most impactful ways groups can mark International Women's Day is by championing their own IWD campaign within their community. The annual IWD campaign theme provides focus and direction for continued year-long activity. How will you rally your community to help forge women's equality and #BreakTheBias?

Learn more about this year's International Women's Day campaign and find out how to participate by sending in class & student photos.

Video  Resources

Click on each video to play. Press the arrow in the right corner to make full screen.

Video Notes:
0:00-1:35 gives a brief history of the International Women's Day that can be used to introduce the topic with secondary students.

Teachers may choose to pause the video at 1:35 unless they feel prepared to discuss issues affecting women including: the gender pay gap, female genital mutilation, domestic abuse, and women's reproductive rights. 

At 2:36 the video discusses different ways to support international women's day.

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