About International Women’s Day

History of IWD

Throughout ancient and modern history, women have collaborated and lead purposeful action to redress inequality in the hope of a better future for their communities, children and themselves. Whether through bold well-documented action or through humble resistance that never made it into the history books, women have united for equality and achievement forever.

And along the way, one particularly powerful collaboration lead to the formation of a globally united moment for women across countries to come together in hope and action. That moment is "International Women’s Day".

Started in the early 1900's, the almighty and tenacious Suffragettes forged purposeful action for equality. It was the Suffragettes who started International Women’s Day, with the first officially named "lnternational Women's Day" event held in 1911.

The day is not country, group or organisation specific - and belongs to all groups collectively everywhere. No one government, NGO, charity, corporation, academic institution, women’s network or media hub is solely responsible for International Women’s Day.

And still to this day, International Women’s Day continues to be a powerful platform globally that unifies tenacity and drives action for gender parity, while celebrating the social, cultural, economic and political achievements of women.

IWD in Banbury

IWD encourages us all to make a difference - to think globally and act locally. The inaugural Cherwell celebration of International Women’s Day took place during March 2020, and we're back for 2022.

By bringing a globally recognised event to Banbury we aim to empower local women and those that support them.