Named Journée internationale de la femme (International Women’s Day), March 8th is a day to celebrate les droits des femmes (women’s rights). A day of manifestations (protests), it is the opportunity to faire un bilan (to assess) conditions women face around the world. It is a chance to celebrate les victoires (victories) and les acquis sociaux (social gains), but also to revendiquer leurs droits (claim their rights), and améliorer la situation des femmes (improve conditions for women).
The origin of this celebration goes back to the luttes des ouvrières et suffragettes (struggles of working-class women and suffragettes) in the early 20th century demanding des meilleures conditions de travail (better working conditions) and le droit de vote (the right to vote).
Dans le monde du travail (in the workplace), it means turning down le travail bénévole (voluntary work) and réclamer (demand) l’égalité devant l’emploi (equal employment opportunity) and salaire (salary). Some organizations advocate to faire la grève (go on strike) on March 8th to emphasize the respect of women in the workplace.
Here is a list of events in France for 2014.
(Image by Tomathon via Wikimedia Commons)
