International Women's Day

For the 100th year of International Women's Day, March 8th 2010, we are asking people around the world to show your support for the important work the White Ribbon Alliance does to reduce needless maternal and newborn deaths.

Our call to action to WRA members – individuals and organizations around the world - is:

1. 1. Engage the media – Whether in newspapers or magazines, radio television or the Internet, the plan is for every media outlet to feature stories on the theme of MDG5 and to support women's health and rights in a media 'takeover' in the lead up and on March 8 - highlighting not only the problem, but how change is possible and where success is being achieved. Download the IWD Media Advocacy Toolkit (Word doc)


2. 2. Organize dinner parties/gatherings – People across the world are pledging to hold dinner parties/gatherings to share information about the issues and build support! From women's political leaders to celebrities to engaged and informed women everywhere, we know bringing women together in solidarity for an issue can bring about real change. Join millions of women globally and help put pressure on those governments not putting enough resources into maternal healthcare by signing up to the White Ribbon Alliance and pledging to hold a dinner party in aid of the campaign. Click on the graphic link on the left to pledge to host your own event and download your copy of the WRA Global Dinner Guide.


3. 3. Wear white – The white ribbon was chosen to honor women lost in pregnancy and childbirth because white symbolizes hope in some cultures and mourning in others. While we mourn the death of women and their newborns lost, we also have hope that together we can change this reality. Wear white on March 8th and spread the message – that no women should die giving life!