08 March 2020

Everything you need to know about International Women's Day

Here is all you need to know about International Women's Day as the event celebrates its 2020 edition.

When did it start?

The first Women's Day celebration on record was one that took place in New York in 1909,  although it is believed to have started even earlier.

Who started it?

The Socialist Party of America organised an International Socialist Women's Conference in 1910 which ultimately got the ball rolling for an official women's day to be recognised.

Activist Theresa Malkiel was the person considered to be responsible for the movement starting, before German socialist Luise Zeitz formerly proposed the idea of a dedicated day for women at the conference.

IWD was then formerly celebrated for the first time on March 19, 1911 by Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Denmark.

The UN did not begin celebrating International Women's Day until 1975, which was labelled International Women's Year.

What is the theme for International Women's Day 2020?

The theme for this year's IWD is 'I am Generation Equality: Realising Women's Rights'.

It is in keeping with the UN Women's multigenerational campaign which in 2020 marks the 25th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.

What is going on this year?

Here are some of the major events taking place for IWD 2020:

#March4Women Rally (12:00-13:15 GMT) - Before the big march on IWD, there is also a rally taking place at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre. A number of musicians will be performing, including Emelie Sande and RAYE.

#March4Women (13:45-15:15 GMT) - There are plenty of marches around the world on Sunday, with the biggest one starting in London at Whitehall Place and finishing in Parliament Square.

Here are some sports events also going on during the day:

Southwell Racing (All day) - Six races will take place at Southwell racecourse in Nottinghamshire with an all-female card of jockeys scheduled to compete.

ICC T20 Cricket World Cup (07:00 GMT) - Organisers are hoping to break the record for the biggest attendance ever for a women's sporting event when the T20 Cricket World Cup Final comes to town at the MCG in Melbourne on Sunday.

Katie Perry will also be performing at the final as a nod to IWD 2020.

Japan vs England (18:15 GMT) - Phil Neville's Lionesses take on Japan in the second of their 

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