In 1975, during International Women's Year, the United Nations began celebrating 8 March as International Women's Day. Two years later, in December 1977, the General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming a United Nations Day for Women's Rights and International Peace to be observed on any day of the year by Member States, in accordance with their historical and national traditions. For the United Nations, International Women's Day has been observed on 8 March since 1975. The Day is traditionally marked with a message from the Secretary-General.

International Women's Day, celebrated internationally on 8 March every year, will be observed at the United Nations this year on 6 March 2008.

The theme for 2008 is: “Investing in Women and Girls”.

The celebration will have an intense focus on financing for gender equality at the country level. The commemoration in New York will take place on Thursday, 6 March 2008, from 10 am to 12 noon, in the Conference Room 2; and consist of two segments: the opening and a high-level panel.

Media Contact:
Ms Oisika Chakrabarti
UN Department of Public Information
Tel: +1-917-367-9498
E-mail: mediainfo@un.org

Previous years and themes: Select Year 2008: Investing in Women and Girls 2007: Ending Impunity for Violence against Women and Girls 2006: Women in decision-making 2005: Gender Equality Beyond 2005: Building a More Secure Future 2004: Women and HIV/AIDS 2003: Gender Equality and the Millennium Development Goals 2002: Afghan Women Today: Realities and Opportunities 2001: Women and Peace: Women Managing Conflicts 2000: Women Uniting for Peace 1999: World Free of Violence Against Women 1998: Women and Human Rights 1997: Women at the Peace Table 1996: Celebrating the Past, Planning for the Future 1995 1993 1992 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1980 1979 1978 1977 1976

Why dedicate a day exclusively to the celebration of the world's women? In adopting its resolution on the observance of Women's Day, the General Assembly cited two reasons: to recognize the fact that securing peace and social progress and the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms require the active participation, equality and development of women; and to acknowledge the contribution of women to the strengthening of international peace and security. For the women of the world, the Day's symbolism has a wider meaning: It is an occasion to review how far they have come in their struggle for equality, peace and development. It is also an opportunity to unite, network and mobilize for meaningful change.

Read more about the International Women's Day:

• History of International Women's Day
  
• "Engendering the Global Agenda: The Story of Women and the United Nations",
  a book by Hilkka Pietilä
  
• UN Cyberschool Bus page about International Women's Day

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