What you're told about the legendary beginnings of International Women's Day depends on who is doing the telling. But the stories always go back to women and activism.
On March 8, 1857, in New York City, women garment workers who made the shirtwaists of the time walked off their jobs. They did it because of poor working conditions, poor wages and long hours, Jacobson said. Using violence, police forced them back to work.
Fifty years later, women around the world in women's labor movements and socialist movements decided to mark the day. The day also is tied to the birthday of labor activist Clara Zetkin, also born in 1857, Jacobson said.
Today, women have made progress but have a way to go, Jacobson said. Women still earn 20 to 50 percent less than men, even in industrialized countries, she said. Around the world, $700 billion a year goes to military budgets, while less than $20 billion is spent on the essentials of life, such as affordable and accessible housing. The wealth of the world's richest three families is equal to the net worth of more than 600 million people in the poorest countries.
"Basically, women are saying, 'Let's take notice,' " said Jacobson.
In countries around the world Wednesday, women will mark International Women's Day by one-day strikes at their jobs, including Australia, Germany, Mexico, Ecuador, Canada, England, Ghana, Ireland, Italy, India, Macedonia, Malawi, Nigeria, Taiwan, Spain and Trinidad. In Missoula, organizers are thinking of starting that next year.
Wednesday's local observance - organized by Women's Opportunity and Resource Development, where Jacobson is a board member - will feature a rally on the lawn of the Missoula County Courthouse. Speakers will include Jacquie Helt, president of the Hotel and Restaurant Employees Union in Montana; Judy Smith of WORD; Kate Kahan of WEEL, Working for Equality and Economic Liberation; Bryony Schwan of Women's Voices for the Earth; Cheryl Smoker, former tribal chairwoman of the Owens Valley Paiute Tribe of California; Janet Robideau of Indian People's Action; and Andrea Olson of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom.
On Friday night, WORD's fund-raising event to mark International Women's Day will be "The Many Faces of Women, a night of women's entertainment in celebration of International Women's Day," held at the Elks Lodge. Activities will start at 7 p.m. Local artists have created women's masks that will be auctioned. Entertainment will include the Hot Tamales and Montana Women's Chorus.
Tickets are $15, available in advance at WORD, Bernice's Bakery, Rockin Rudy's, Cafe Dolce, the University of Montana Women's Center, UM Women's Studies Program and Chapter One Bookstore in Hamilton, or by calling 543-3550.
All are welcome, said Jacobson.
"It's not just for women," she said. "It's for everyone."
If you're interested
An International Women's Day Rally will be held from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday on the lawn at the Missoula County Courthouse. Speakers will include women's social activists who will talk about women's efforts toward equality in the past and future. The public is invited. The event is organized by WORD, Women's Opportunity and Resource Development, in Missoula.
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