[Confetti! Streamers! Vuvuzelas! Free drinks! High fives!]
That’s right, ladies of the land, today marks the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day. Traditionally celebrated on March 8th of every year, IWD is a day of global celebration marking the social, political, and economic achievements of women. As announced by the United Nations, the 2011 IWD will focus on “equal access to education, training, and science and technology” with hopes of creating a “pathway to decent work for women.”
Today, and throughout the month of March, thousands of events are taking place to commemorate women on an international scale. For a list of events occurring in the greater Northwest and beyond, check out the official IWD Website. Quite ironically, today is also Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) – a holiday notoriously associated with encouraging women to “flash their boobs” for beads and/or other coveted “rewards.” So, if you’re pressed for time, feel free to celebrate IWD by taking a moment to consider how much you’re breasts are really worth.
Starting tomorrow, folks in the Portland area should hop, skip, and/or jump over to the Hollywood Theater for the Portland Oregon Women’s Film Festival (POW Fest). Running from March 9 – 13, 2011, the Festival “places a spotlight on women filmmakers…[and] empowers women to find their voice and to share their stories through innovative and quality film making.” Whether you’re interested in checking out the talent of contemporary female directors or merely looking for a quiet and informative evening, POW has something for everyone. Inked-up hipsters might find inspiration from Ed Harvey: Tattoo the World while multi-tasking mamas can seek solace at Kid on Hip, Camera in Hand. Plus, if you play your cards right, you may just be able to schmooze with the guest of honor, Gillian Armstrong – director of estrogen-infused films such as Little Women. See. You. There.