Clara Zetkin at the Second Conference for Socialist Women in Copenhagen in 1910 called for March 8 to be observed worldwide as International Women’s Day.

Green, white and violet were the colours adopted by the English suffragists, as they echo the rallying cry ‘give women the vote’.

They have been used ever since to symbolise the women’s movement.

In Australia in 1902 following Federation, the Commonwealth Franchise Act gave women the right to vote and to stand for Federal Parliament.

Through the work of the Womanhood Suffrage League, women gained suffrage and began the first significant steps toward equality between men and women.

Aboriginal women achieved the right to vote in 1967.

Some of the major issues on which women continue to campaign include workplace reform, international human rights, poverty, childcare and violence against women.

IWD stands for equality between women and men.

It is a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by those who have played an extraordinary role in the history of women’s rights.

The first IWD activities occurred in the Shoalhaven in 1991, when women marched through Nowra to demand rights.

While March 8 is the celebratory day, numerous events are held in the area over the month of March.

IWD Art Exhibition and Celebration Launch  Friday February 27 at 6pm

Join us for the announcement of exhibition prize winners and the launch of a month of exciting events to celebrate IWD. This year’s exhibition is themed Resilience and promises wonderful artworks by women in our community. Exhibition open from February 27 to March 27 9am – 7pm Venue: University of Wollongong, Shoalhaven Campus George Evans Drive, West Nowra Cost: Free Contact: Marg McHugh 4422 0103

IWD Business Breakfast and Awards  Friday March 6 at 8.30am

Come and join other women at a breakfast to celebrate IWD and recognise local women for their services to the community. Listen to Ukenasia, a women’s ukulele band. Venue: Ulladulla & Districts Community Resource Centre Cost: Free Contact: Maria Mitchell 4454 0477

Breakfast in the Vines  Saturday March 7 at 8.30am

Breakfast in the Vines will celebrate International Women’s Day presented by The Zonta Club of Berry Inc. The topic chosen for the speakers is Two Women of the Shoalhaven - Two Women of the World. Sophie Ray is a former corporate lawyer who worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers for 14 years in Sydney and London and with her husband, Raj, now owns the Silos Winery in Jaspers Brush. Vivienne Henry is a former ABC Rural Woman of the Year and is heavily involved in farming - particularly in the dairy industry. The Mountain Ridge Winery is situated at 11 Coolangatta Road, Shoalhaven Heads, looking towards the Berry escarpment. Cost for the lavish breakfast is $25 per person, including a welcoming glass of champagne, plus entertainment by the Zonta Choir. To book phone Carole Cassidy on 0408 997 780, and use the BSB: 082 435 A/C: 571 397 013.

High Tea - Honouring Women of World War I  Saturday March 7 at 2.30pm

Experience the age-old tradition of high tea, elegantly sip a variety of teas in beautiful vintage china, eat scrumptious cakes. Listen to local historian Robyn Florance speak on how women of the Shoalhaven contributed to World War I and Cheryl Scowen, from Meroogal House Museum, on how the war affected the lives of one family. Venue: Nowra School of Arts, Berry Street, Nowra Cost: $10 bookings essential (limited tickets at the door) Contact: Women's Health Centre 4421 0730

Young Women’s Performance Afternoon  Sunday March 8 at 2.30 for 3-5pm

To encourage the talent of young women aged 16-25 years old, in all the arts. Join us for a tremendous afternoon of fun. Venue: Squid Studio Princes Highway Nowra Cost: $5 entry at the door Contact: Gemma 4443 9244

IWD Awards  Saturday March 14 at 1.30pm – 4pm

These awards show appreciation and recognition to women of the Shoalhaven for their work and creativity. The awards are funded and presented by Sydney Living Museums through their regional museum, Meroogal. The ceremony is held under the century-old Jacaranda at Meroogal Historic House. Venue: Meroogal Historic House Nowra Cost: Nil Contact: Nicole or Suzi 4421 8150

Women’s Performance Night (women-only event)  Saturday March 14 at 5.30pm for 7pm start

This event provides an excellent opportunity for women to perform for the first time. Light meals available to buy, come early to eat and mingle, BYO drinks. You never know what you will see on the night, singing, dancing, fire twirling or poetry Venue: Tomerong Hall Hawken Road, Tomerong Cost: $10 or $5 concession, Pay at the door. Contact: Sandra 4443 4558

Women’s Wellness Festival Connecting Mind and Body  Friday March 20 at 1 – 8.30pm

This festival involves many Shoalhaven's health and community organisations, providing information, stalls, activities, performances, food and giveaways. After 5pm dinner will be available at food stalls and live music for dancing. Family friendly event Venue: Lady Denman Museum Huskisson Cost: Free Contact: Women’s Health 4421 0730

Writers Night (women-only event)  Friday March 27 at 6pm

Join us for a special opportunity to read your own writing in a supportive environment, or listen to others. There will be tea, coffee and soup available for purchase during the evening. Venue/Host: Our Bookshop and Café Queen Street, Berry, in their leafy courtyard Cost: Free Contact: Andrea 4465 1240