Dallas women will gather at Ferris Plaza, across from the Dallas Morning News, on Wednesday, March 8, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, to commemorate International Women's Day. Workers Beat radio program will focus on it from 8 to 9 AM on 89.3 FM or www.knon.org.
A history of this special day is available at http://www.isis.aust.com/iwd/stevens/origins.htm.
Writer Joyce Stevens says that European socialists Clara Zetkin and Alexandra Kollontai brought the movement together as part of their fight to have women's rights included in the international fight for socialism. Great demonstrations took place in 1908 all over the world, including in Manhattan. The great shirtwaist makers strike of 1909 added tremendously to women's fighting spirit, and Women's Day was institutionalized in Copenhagan in 1910.
The text of the Dallas call to action is below. It is especially slanted to encourage women to attend, but activist Marian Avalos assures that men who appreciate the importance of women's struggles are also invited.
**
Ninety-six years have passed since the Women's equal rights movement got under
way in 1910. During this time, women of the world have tried to make their governments
recognize their just demands for equality through their struggles.
Women's groups in Iran and around the world are taking to the streets, parks
& meetings to celebrate International Women's Day and to renew demands for
gender equality, world peace and respect for the work of women.
We invite all women from different cultures to stand in solidarity with us to commemorate this historic struggle to improve women's lives. You are encouraged to bring your own signs, banners, poetry & music drawing attention to international women's issues.
Time: Wednesday, March 8 2006, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
Place: Ferris Plaza, Houston @ Young across from Dallas Morning News
Sponsors: Iranian Women Organization of Dallas, Women in Black, Code Pink D/FW
Contact Information: 214-686-6357 www.march8.org
.