The world has been celebrating International Women’s Day since 1911 when it was established thanks to the efforts of activist Clara Zetkin. The idea was to create a global forum for celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women and provide a way for women’s issues to be raised, discussed and addressed. This video offers a nice capsule history of the occasion.

Today, the occasion is 101 years old. Yet, women around the world still face a plethora of abuses ranging from wage inequality to femicide. In the United States, where women are treated far better than in much of the rest of the world, 1,181 women were murdered by their intimate partner last year; reproductive rights are practically restricted through both state and federal legislation, and women earn just 78 cents for every dollar earned by men.

Every year on March 8 and throughout the month, thousands of events are held throughout the world to inspire women and celebrate achievements. A global web of rich and diverse local activity connects women from all around the world ranging from political rallies, business conferences, government activities and networking events through to local women’s craft markets, theatric performances, fashion parades and more. Find an event near you and help spread the word.