International Women’s Day 2011

Valerie has been celebrating International Women’s Day 2011 with female colleagues in the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

International Women’s Day (IWD) has been celebrated since 1908 and has since grown to become a global day of recognition and celebration around the world.  Women’s organisations and Governments have observed IWD annually on 8 March, and large-scale events honouring women’s advancement are common.

During its lifespan, there have been great advancements in gender equality, however IWD also recognises that there is still much more to do, both in Britain as well as around the world.  There is still a pay gap between men and women, women are not represented equally in business and politics, and globally there is inequality between the sexes when it comes to education, health and employment.

Valerie marked International Women’s Day by attending a number of events aimed at raising the profile of women’s rights.  This included the Centenary International Women’s Day Event at Speaker’s House.