100th International Women's Day (2011): “Equal Access to Education, Training and Science & Technology: Pathway to Decent Work for Women”

Today, March 8, 2011, marks the centenary celebration of the International Women's Day (IWD). Observed for the first time 100 years ago, the annual event is being held for women to inspire and in turn be motivated; an occasion to celebrate achievements and to toast her climb on the social ladder - although it was previously used to voice out the woes of women and claim their rights during its early years.

Photo courtesy of Socialistworld.net

Celebrated simultaneosly around the world, the theme for this year is “Equal access to education, training and science and technology: Pathway to decent work for women”.

In India, it has been reported that Air India will have an all-women crew on its 11 flights in celebration of the IWD 2011, which is their second time to have such an activity.

In the Philippines, several organizations have come up with events that promote the women’s causes including the following:

• "World March of Women-Philippines" which is sponsored by Women’s March and will be held on March 8, 2011 in Manila.

• "March 8 for RH" facilitated by Manggagawang Kababaihan Mithi ay Paglaya's (MAKALAYA),will take place at St. Peter’s Church along Commonwealth Road in Quezon City.

• Announcement of winners of Female Network's Womanity Awards

Since it was established, a number of achivements have been made including:

• Women steadily working towards equal rights and equal opportunities and there seems to be a commendable improvement.

• More NGOs addressing women and their causes.

• Women politically more active now and therefore more women- friendly laws have been formed.

• Women leadership has increased right from grass root levels.

• Education of women is, by far, at its best.

• The management of women’s health has vastly improved. 6000 communities across Africa have abandoned female genital mutilation.