March 8 is International Women's Day

March 8 marks the 38^th annual International Women’s Day, a day to celebrate women’s rights and the women of all ages and backgrounds who help change history in their own way.  The United Nations and its member states have celebrated International Women’s Day since 1975, though the day was first celebrated in 1911, in Europe.  Each year the United Nations chooses a theme and this year they have chosen “A promise is a promise: Time for action to end violence against women.”  Irina Bokova, Director-General of United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), issued the following statement:

“On International Women's Day, we celebrate the strides that have been made to advance women's rights and the individual heroes, girls and women, who are making history in societies across the world.  This is also a day to cast an objective eye on where we stand and reflect on the obstacles that remain. Violence against women is one of the most deadly and widespread violations of women's rights across the world. Violence takes many shapes — physical, sexual, psychological and economic — but the result remains the same devastating violation of fundamental rights and human dignity. There are concerted efforts at all levels to stop this violence, but progress is haltingly slow.” (Click for more)  

Read below for how you can celebrate International Women’s Day in Philadelphia:

INTERNATIONAL HOUSE:

International House presents a night of “Fantastic Films by Women,” showing: Maya Deren and Alexander Hammid’s “Meshes of the Afternoon”;  Beatrice Gibson’s “Agatha”; Laida Lertxundi’s “Cry When it Happens”; Rosa Barba’s “Somnium”; Germaine Dulac’s “The Seashell and the Clergyman.”

http://ihousephilly.org/events/international-womens-day-fantastic-films-by-women/

MT. AIRY GARAGE:

Mt. Airy Garage is hosting an International Women’s Day weekend to celebrate women in the arts.  March 8’s “Outloud! A Celebration of Women Voices” will feature local female poets and musicians.  On March 9 there will be a cocktail reception and on March 10, they will hold an interactive discussion about the role of women in the artistic sphere.

http://mtairyartgarage.org/2013/02/international-womens-day-celebrating-women-the-arts/

OSTERIA

Marc Vetri’s restaurant Osteria is honoring International Women’s Day with a special five-course dinner meant to pay homage to five women.  It is in honor of La Festa Della Donna, or International Women’s Day.

http://osteriaphilly.com/index.php/event/la_festa_della_donna