The International Women’s Day: “We want bread and roses too.”
The first National Woman's Day was observed in the United States on February 28. The Socialist Party of America designated this day in honour of the 1908 garment workers' strike in New York, where women protested against working conditions.
International Women’s Day was marked for the first time on March 19, 1911 and in subsequent years on March 8th (where it continues to be recognized by all countries on this date). Its intent was to advocate for women's right to vote, their right to work and to end discrimination in the workplace. From that moment on, every year, rallies and demonstrations have been held to raise awareness about women’s equality.
In 1977, the United Nations formalized the day by adopting a resolution proclaiming a United Nations Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace. It invited all the countries of the world to celebrate a day for women's rights. This day highlights the continued inequality women face in in society and it promotes the improvement of women rights.
The theme for the International Day of Women's Rights 2016 "Pledge for Parity".
The Public Services Alliance of Canada has developed a web page focused on women’s rights. You may want to take this opportunity to have a look. You will also find lots of useful information on the Status of Women Canada website.