Every Year on International Women’s Day, thousands of events are held throughout the world to inspire and celebrate the achievements and contributions of women. On this day since its inception in 1911, a global web of rich and diverse activity has connected women from all around the globe without regard to national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, religious, economic or political differences.

This year, marks the 100^th Anniversary of this worldwide observance. Our purpose is to continue to create awareness of this day by acknowledging the accomplishments of women, past and present for their political, economical and social contributions. We will also honor the greater vision for the needed changes that will bring equality and basic human rights for women and girls, everywhere. To date there are 176 countries, and several major cities across the United States participating, and it is still growing. We want the world to know, that in Denver we honor and support elevate women and girls.

March 8, 2011 —

We invite you to join us for the International Women’s Day - Denver 100^th Anniversary Celebration Event, at the beautiful Grand Seawell Ballroom at the Denver Center of Performing Arts Complex. This moving and powerful production will honor women through the experiences and insights of our celebrated speakers, and with amazing dance and musical performances. Showcased will be the incredible work of Colorado’s Women and Girls Non-Profit Organizations at the International Women’s Day Expo, and included, we will enjoy International food and drinks. The festivities are sure to inspire all who attend, and create an energetic buzz in our city.

March 6, 2011 —

International Women’s Day 5K Run/Walk will be a day to bring together citizens of our great city to acknowledge this global celebration and raise money for micro loans to support women in gaining sustainable income to lift their families and communities out of poverty.

The History of International Women's Day

International Women's Day has been observed since in the early 1900s, a time of great expansion and turbulence in the industrialized world that saw booming population growth and the rise of radical ideologies.

1908
Great unrest and critical debate was occurring amongst women. Women's oppression and inequality was spurring women to become more vocal and active in campaigning for change. Then in 1908, 15,000 women marched through N.Y. City demanding shorter hours, better pay and voting rights.

1909
The first National Woman's Day (NWD) was observed across the United States on 28 February. Women continued to celebrate NWD on the last Sunday of February until 1913.

1910
In late August 1910, 100 women gathered at the Workers’ Assembly Hall in Copenhagen, Denmark. Theirs was a historic meeting, the Second International Socialist Women’s Conference. A woman named a Clara Zetkin tabled the idea of an International Women's Day. She proposed that every year in every country there should be a celebration on the same day - a Women's Day - to press for their demands. Zetkin had agitated for 21 years to establish IWD as a way to build solidarity among women workers of different countries while they fought for their rights as workers. By building these international bonds, she also sought to break down the walls of national chauvinism and encourage anti-war sentiment. At this International meeting, a Women's Day, international in character, was established to honor the movement for women's rights and to assist in achieving universal suffrage for women.

1911
As a result of the decision taken at Copenhagen the previous year, International Women's Day was marked for the first time (19 March) in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland, where more than one million women and men attended rallies.

1913-1914
As part of the peace movement brewing on the eve of World War I, Russian women observed their first International Women's Day on the last Sunday in February 1913. Elsewhere in Europe, on or around 8 March of the following year, women held rallies either to protest the war or to express solidarity with their sisters.

1918 - 1999
Since its birth, International Women's Day grew to become a global day of recognition and celebration across developed and developing countries alike. 1975 was designated as 'International Women's Year' by the United Nations.

2000 and Beyond
IWD is now an official holiday in China, Armenia, Russia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and Vietnam. The tradition sees men honoring their mothers, wives, girlfriends, colleagues, etc., with flowers and small gifts. In some countries IWD has the equivalent status of Mother's Day.

March 8, 2011
International Women’s Day celebrates 100 years of vigilance and action required to ensure that women's equality is gained and maintained in all aspects of life.