Today is International Women’s Day! Observed since the early 1900s, March 8th is now an official holiday in many countries and the inspiration for thousands of events worldwide held to celebrate women and their accomplishments.

Today in Cambodia, for example, women are holding a photography exhibit to showcase women’s contributions in rebuilding the country and in India women are using the day to hold a seminar on the law and domestic violence.

Unfortunately, not all governments are too happy about International Women’s Day. As previously reported, over 30 women in Iran were arrested this week, which according to Amnesty International, was a deliberate move to deter women from organizing IWD events.

The United Nations, its agencies and regional offices are commemorating the day through various events, including a discussion today on eliminating violence against women in Afghanistan.

More

From Reuters AlertNet: “Education, leadership crucial for refugee girls and women, says UNHCR on International Women’s Day – The UN refugee agency is marking International Women’s Day today with activities involving refugee women worldwide, with a special focus on refugee girls and women in education and leadership…. Meanwhile, a plethora of activities are taking place around the world to mark International Women’s Day, ranging from skills training competitions to women’s health workshops, seminars on girls’ education, discussions on the role of women returnees, and even attempts by men to ease women’s burden.”