Equalities Officer for the Bridgwater & Taunton Unite Community Branch, Sarah Shaw, is organising a display in Bridgwater Library from the 7th March until the 12th March in celebration of International Women’s Day which is on 8th March.

You can see the exhibition here.

 What is International Women’s Day?

Inspired by America’s National Women’s Day in 1909, the first International Women’s Day was celebrated on 19 March 1911 when a million women and men rallied in support of women’s rights to vote, work, train and end discrimination. In 1913, the date was moved to 8 March, and it has remained on this day ever since. It gradually became more of a truly international celebration, and the UN firmly got behind International Women’s Day in 1977 – as a day to “reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination in the history of women’s rights”.

It is a collective day of global celebration, where we celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women –whilst also acknowledging a call to action for equality. Despite the amazing achievements and contributions of women from all walks of life, we still have a way to go before we achieve true gender equality.

Celebrating International Women’s Day in Bridgwater

To celebrate International Women’s Day in Bridgwater, we asked individuals and community groups to nominate a woman, or women, who have made a difference, or who have inspired them. The results are shown here in this display, from internationally famous women to historical women, from the positive female characters in children’s literature to local women making a difference in the lives of individuals and in their community. The nominations will also be available to view on our website http://bridgwater.unitecommunity.org

You can also complete one of the blank cards in the library with your own nomination to add to our community display.

Event organiser Sarah Shaw says “It has been a true honour and privilege to collate your nominations and read about how all of these wonderful women have touched your lives – thank you.”

Bridgwater & Taunton Unite Community Group