The first International Women's Day was celebrated in many countries on March 8, 1911, with the theme of "Universal Female Suffrage". In 1977, the United Nations urged countries to set aside a day to celebrate women's rights and international peace.

This year, a number of events are being held across Canada. Please see a list below of some events taking place to commemorate International Women’s Day in British Columbia.

*TWU members who choose to attend must do so at their own personal expense and time.

British Columbia

•    The Vancouver and District Labour Council's Women's Committee is holding a dinner on Thursday, March 3, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day (IWD). Everyone is welcome.  Please note that ASL interpretation will be provided.

Date: Thursday, March 3, 2011
Time: Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m.
Location: Fraserview Hall, 8240 Fraser street (south of Marine Drive), Vancouver
Tickets: $35 / $20 low income (tables of 8), For tickets contact Keziah at the VDLC office—604-254-0703 or office@vdlc.ca.
Additional information: A presentation on the short history of the IWD & Labour by Joey Hartman and special guests, followed by entertainment.

•    A parade will take place on Commercial Drive, followed by an indoor Festival at the Wise Hall on Victoria Drive in Vancouver. The event is open to everyone and is designed to encourage family participation.

Date: Saturday, March 5, 2011
Time: 12:30 pm Gathering (McSpadden Park) followed by a parade at 1– 2 p.m. 
Location: Victoria Drive (Between E.4 & E.5 Avenue), Vancouver
Parade Route: North on Commercial Drive, East on Adanac to Salsbury Park, 1898 Adanac St.
Additional information: Festival following Parade from 2-4:30 p.m. at WISE Hall, located at 1882 Adanac St.  *Food Vendors will be onsite, entertainment and activities for children

•    Surrey's 16th Annual International Women's Day celebration:

Date: Saturday, March 5, 2011
Time: 12:30 – 4 p.m.
Location: Queen Elizabeth Secondary, 9457 King George Hwy, Surrey
Additional information: Women are invited to celebrate International Women’s Day with an afternoon of fun, entertainment, snacks, refreshments and door
prizes. Children are welcome. For more information, please contact Sandra at 604-597-4358 or Emily at 604-581-9381. *Pre-registration is
required for transportation subsidy purposes only.

•    In celebration of the 100th anniversary of International Women’s day, the B.C. Federation of Labour Annual International Women's Day Breakfast will be held on March 8, 2011, at the Firefighter's Hall in Burnaby from 7:30 - 9:00 am. For more information and to reserve your tickets, please see the poster and order form. 

Date: Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Time: 7:30 - 9 a.m.
Location: Firefighter's Hall, 6515 Bonsor Avenue, Burnaby
Accessible from Metrotown SkyTrain Station
Tickets: $30/each or $240/table (seats 8)
Additional information: Order your tickets early as this event sells out each year and are sold on a first come, first serve basis. Please print out order form at http://www.bcfed.com/files/1670-11frm-IWD%20Breakfast.pdf.