International Women's Day

International Women's Day (IWD) held annually on 8 March celebrates the collective power of women past, present and future, and is also an opportunity to speak out against the inequalities that women still face.

The idea of an International Women's Day first arose at the turn of the century, which in the industrialised world was a period of expansion and turbulence, booming population growth and radical ideologies. It is an occasion marked by women's groups around the world. This date is also commemorated at the United Nations and is designated in many countries as a national holiday.

Over half of Islington's population is female, prejudice based on gender stereotyping means that gender discrimination can be very widespread. As a result, women, and sometimes men, can find themselves facing inequality when it comes to pay, access to services, responsibilities, levels of safety and other areas. Such discrimination can directly affect life choices.

There are a number of organisations based in Islington dedicated to providing support and advice to women, for details please click on the links under the useful website menu to the right of this page.

International Women's Day 2012: Women and Work

To celebrate International Women’s Day Islington council is hosting a free careers event for women in the borough.

If you are looking for new opportunities and want to boost your employment skills then this is an event for you.

There will be over 26 stalls where you can speak to employers, council services and community organisations that will provide you with advice and support to get you back in the workforce.

Additionally, there will be 8 short workshops held over the course of the day where you will receive first hand tips and advice on a whole range of job possibilities.

A FREE hot lunch will be provided by the Islington Refugee Forum and Aquaterra are giving everyone who attends a FREE leisure centre pass for a women’s only class.

Women of all ages and abilities are welcome – you can come for the whole thing or just drop-in when you like.

BSL interpreters and crèche facilities available on the day, contact Tessa.Cole@islington.gov.uk if you require these.

For more details visit the events page: www.islington.gov.uk/IWD