In 1977, the United Nations recognized March 8th as International Women’s Day. This Wednesday, the Manhattan Chapter of the American Association of University Women is hosting their 8th annual International Women’s Day celebration and forum.

Manhattan AAUW Officer Barbara Gatewood said America’s first National Women’s Day took place in 1909, emerging from labor movements in New York. Now, it is celebrated on a global scale and recognizes more than just protests for proper working conditions.

      Gatewood

This year, the AAUW selected four women from around the world to speak at Wednesday’s event. City Commissioner and Manhattan AAUW President Usha Reddi explained more about these featured guests.

      Reddi 1

Reddi said these women will provide important, unique and educational perspectives on gender equality around the world.

      Reddi 2

Reddi and Manhattan AAUW Director-at-Large Mary Stamey encourage people to attend. They said hearing personal experiences serves as one of the most effective educational tools.

      Reddi & Stamey

The forum starts at 7:00 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn at the Campus. It is free and available to the public. A pre-forum dinner begins at 6:00, but is no longer open for registration.

More information can be found at the AAUW Manhattan website.

photo courtesy: Manhattan AAUW