International Women's Day

March 8th is declared as the International Women's Day. This day is meant to appreciate those who have the biggest but quietest influence in our lives. ) It is an annual global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. This tradition is suppose to see men honouring their mothers, wives, aunts, sisters, girlfriends, colleagues, etc with flowers and small gifts. In some countries IWD has the equivalent status of Mother's Day where children give small presents to their mothers and grandmothers. In some places like China, Russia, Vietnam and Bulgaria, IWD is a national holiday. The first IWD was run in 1911. Next year will be a celebration of IWD Global Centenary 1911-2011.

At some point in our lives, we meet women who inspire us by their courage, strength, talent. Sometimes, all we have to do is look around us to find women who are balancing work, home and caring for children. The new millennium has witnessed a significant change and attitudinal shift in both women's and society's thoughts about women's equality and emancipation. Many from a younger generation feel that 'all the battles have been won for women' while many feminists from the 1970's know only too well the longevity and ingrained complexity of patriarchy. With more women in the boardroom, greater equality in legislative rights, and an increased critical mass of women's visibility as impressive role models in every aspect of life, one could think that women have gained true equality.

However, great improvements have been made. We do have female astronauts and prime ministers, school girls are welcomed into university, women can work and have a family, women have real choices. And so the tone and nature of IWD has, for the past few years, moved from being a reminder about the negatives to a celebration of the positives.

I am proud the way God made me. I am proud that I am a woman.