What is International Women’s Day?

International Women’s Day takes place every year on 8 March to celebrate the achievements of women all over the world. It started with a protest that took place in New York City in 1908 where women went out onto the streets to demand the right to vote, shorter working hours and better pay. Since then it has taken many forms and today it’s a global event that is supported by lots of charities, NGOs, governments and academic institutions. In some countries, March 8 is an official holiday and in other countries it’s an official holiday but only for women.

Why do we need an International Women’s Day?

In today's world it may appear that women have all the same opportunities as men. If you watch the news you will see women astronauts, women prime ministers and women leaders in business. However, if you look at the statistics you realise there’s still a long way to go. The BBC did a report a few years ago that showed that in the UK women occupied only 30.9% of the most senior positions across a range of jobs in areas like politics, business and policing. So, although progress has been made since 1908, there is still a lot to do before we see an equal number of men and women in the top jobs and receiving equal pay.

How is IWD celebrated?

A lot of special events take place in towns and cities to celebrate International Women’s Day. There are exhibitions, theatre shows, talks, discussions, walking tours, films, workshops, fun runs and so much more. All the events are designed to celebrate the role of women in society and to make us all take a step back and think about the progress that has been made, but also about the changes that still need to take place to ensure the world is a fair and equal place for all its citizens. To find out what is happening in your country have a look on the events page of the International Women's Day website.

Think globally and act locally

The message for women around the world is to ‘think globally and act locally’. This means to learn about some of the key issues that women face around the world and then to try to take action close to home. Emma Watson, the actress who played Hermione in the Harry Potter films, is a great example of someone who is doing something to raise awareness about the issues that women face globally. She has launched a campaign called HeForShe, which aims to get people talking at all levels about gender equality. The aim is to create a ‘gender-equal world’. The HeForShe campaign makes it very clear that it’s the role of men as well as women to make changes in all areas of their lives, both at work and in the family, to help make this possible. With the support of UN Women, the United Nations organisation to support women, Emma’s campaign is surely going to make a big impact.

The future

Can you imagine a future where there’s no need at all to even have an International Women’s Day? Where there is total equality for men and women? Hmmm … something to think about but perhaps in your lifetime this could happen!?

Useful websites:
International Women’s Day: www.internationalwomensday.com
UNWomen: www.unwomen.org
HeForShe: www.heforshe.org
BBC report: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18187449

Conversation Questions. Gender Roles

Do you see yourself as a typical man or woman? Why or why not?
In your country are the responsibilities of a mother the same as the responsibilities of a father to their families?
What are the responsibilities of a father to his family?
What are the responsibilities of a mother to her family?
Are fathers capable of carrying out the duties of a mother and vice versa?
Are there different expectations for sons and daughters?
What habits are deemed as appropriate for men but inappropriate for women?
What behaviors are deemed as appropriate for men but inappropriate for women?
What jobs are deemed as appropriate for men but inappropriate for women?
Are more doctors female or male in your country?
Are more nurses female or male in your country?
Are more professional musicians female or male in your country?
Are more teachers female or male in your country?
Are more truck drivers female or male in your country?
Are men and women equal in ability and intelligence?
What things can either men or women do that the other cannot do and why?
What type of clothing do men wear?
What type of clothing do women wear?
Can men wear women's clothing or can women wear men's clothing? Why or why not?
Can men wear pink clothes?
Is it OK for men to cry?
Is it OK for women to cry?
What do people think of men or women crying?
What would people think of a man who backs down from a fight?
What would people think of two women involved in a fist fight?
Is it OK for men to appear sad?
Is it OK for women to appear angry?
Is it OK for men to appear weak?

· Is it common for women and men to take part in sporting activities? Do they take part in the same type of sporting activities?

· In you home, who does the cooking, cleaning and household chores?

· Is it possible for women to join the army in your country?

· Is it compulsory for men and women to join the army in your country?

· Do women swear a lot?

· Are there more male or female managers and executives? Why do you think this is?

· What jobs do men do and women not do in your country?

· Who is regarded as the head of the family?

· Should boys and girls be brought up differently?

· Should boys and girls be treated differently on the part of the parents?

· What would happen if your parents changed their place for one day?

· How would the world look like without men?

· How would the world look like without women?

· When a woman and a man are together, who does most of the talking? What makes you think so?

· Can a man and a woman be only friends?

· Do men/men friendships differ from women/men or women/women friendships? How?

· Who do you think has life easier, girls or guys? Why?

· Do you see yourself as a typical man/woman? Why or why not?

· What things can men or women do that the other cannot do and why?

· In your country

· What are the responsibilities of a father to his family?

· What are the responsibilities of a mother to her family?

· Are fathers capable of carrying out the duties of a mother and vice versa?

· Who is regarded as the head of the family?

· Who do the children go to for emotional support? For financial support?

· Are there different expectations for sons and daughters?

· Should boys and girls be brought up differently?

· What habits are deemed as appropriate for women but not for men?

· What behaviors are deemed as appropriate for men but inappropriate for women?

· What jobs are deemed as appropriate for men but inappropriate for women?

· Are more doctors female or male in your country?

· Are more nurses female or male in your country?

· Are more professional musicians female or male in your country?

· Are more teachers female or male in your country?

· Are there more male or female managers and executives? Why do you think this is?

· What type of clothing do men wear?

· What type of clothing do women wear?

· Can men wear women's clothing or can women wear men's clothing?

· Can men wear pink clothes?

· Is it OK for men to cry?

· Is it OK for women to cry?

· Is it OK for men to appear sad?

· s it OK for women to appear angry?

· Is it OK for men to appear weak?

· What would people think of a man who backs down from a fight?

· What would people think of two women involved in a fist fight?

· Is it OK for women to swear (to cuss)?

· Is it common for women and men to take part in sporting activities? Do they take part in the same sports? Are there famous women athletes?

· Do you think it's permissible for a woman to show her face to a stranger?

IES Cantabria. Learning English. (Santander)

European Parliament Ambassador School

Monday, 5 March 2018

Women´s Day 2018

What is International Women’s Day?

Why do we need an International Women’s Day?

How is IWD celebrated?

Think globally and act locally

The future

RECOMMENDED LINKS AROUND THE TOPIC OF INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY:

Conversation Questions. Gender Roles

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