International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the achievements of women historically and culturally. The Day was first celebrated in 1911 but officially adopted by the United Nations in 1975.
IWD is an opportunity to globally champion positive change on gender equality and it is also an official holiday in many countries such as Cuba, Eritrea, Nepal, Uganda and Russia.
Gender inequality matters at all levels of society, backgrounds and structures. In paid employment, women work fewer hours than men, while performing the vast majority of unpaid care and domestic work as well.
This month the UK Women and Equalities Committee called for employers to normalise flexible working – giving employees the option to work part-time/flexi time, working from home and job shares.
The Council is open and committed to gender equality and has published its latest Gender Pay Gap report
Other suggested information on IWD and gender inequality:
- International Women’s Day website. https://www.internationalwomensday.com/About
- International Women’s Day, History, marches and celebrations. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-56169219
- 5 things to know about the Suffrage Movement. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=He9lP5R78Yw
Films:
- Suffragette (2015) – An eye-opening look at the UK’s suffragette movement in 1912 which is one of the most important social movements in history.
- Hidden Figures –This film brings to life the untold story of a trio of black female NASA scientists who helped launch the first American astronaut into space.
eBooks and eAudiobooks for Women's History Month
Our libraries have put together a list of over 40 e-books and e-audiobooks for Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day. These range from classics to contemporary books, with authors like Anne Bronte, Margaret Atwood and Caroline Criado Perez providing an array of books to get involved with. Anyone who wants to borrow eBooks or eAudiobooks and isn’t currently a library member may join free of charge online.
This blog of famous and leading women from Solihull, past and present, also shows the impact women have had on the borough over time. Read the blog, or tell us if we’ve missed off any notable women who have lived and worked in Solihull by emailing heritage@solihull.gov.uk”