International Women's Day

While the first observance of a Women's Day was held on February 28, 1909 in New York, March 8 was suggested by the 1910 International Woman's Conference to become an "International Woman's Day" because this day marks when women gained suffrage in Soviet Russia in 1917 and it became a national holiday there. The day was then predominantly celebrated by the socialist movement and communist countries until it was adopted in 1975 by the United Nations and was then celebrated throughout the world.

It is a day to celebrate ordinary women who have played an  extra-ordinary role in the history and development of their communities.  It is also a time to reflect on the progress made for women’s rights and time for change.

In light of the events that have occurred in the #MeToo movement in 2017, what a year to celebrate!  This year’s UN theme is #PressforProgress to help accelerate gender parity.

Join in and help us celebrate the day and the lives of the ordinary artisan women we support! These women, most of whom are single moms, are in turn extra-ordinary women by the determination and will they have to support not only their families, but also their extended families and their communities. Each purchase makes a difference. You too can #makeadifference