Today is the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day (IWD) with events taking place all over the world. This global celebration honors women's success, and reminds of inequities that still need to be redressed. In some places like China, Russia, Vietnam and Bulgaria, International Women's Day is a national holiday.
In the United States, President Obama proclaimed March 2011 as "Women's History Month," calling on Americans to mark IWD by reflecting on "the extraordinary accomplishments of women" in shaping the country's history.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced the 100 Women Initiative: Empowering Women and Girls through International Exchanges. "So let us mark this day by finding ways to ensure women and girls' access to education, healthcare, jobs, and credit, and to protect their right to live free from violence," said Secretary Clinton.
Many of us will celebrate the day with local efforts to support women's equality on a global level. Others will take the occasion to recognize a woman who has made a difference in her life - whether it is a mentor, mother, sister, or daughter, or girlfriend.
Take a peek at this provocative video that appeared in the UK Guardian. It's narrated by Judy Dench and stars James Bond star, Daniel Craig. Perhaps, you'll choose to think about a women who is important to you and pass this message on to her.