International Women's Day

International Women's Day is celebrated because...

• The weather is fine

• Women are more important than men

• Women want to have the same rights and opportunities as men

• People love demonstrating

In the Western countries, women were not allowed to wear trousers until the 20th century

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Trousers were not appropriate for women and only men could wear them.

Source:BBCNews

When were women allowed to vote for the first time?

• Women have always been allowed to vote, that's a stupid question

• Since the beginning of democracy

• In 1893

• In 1918, after World War I

Answer explanation

New Zealand was the first country in the world allowing full women's suffrage. The UK allowed it in 1918, but only to women aged over 30.

Source: BBC News

Women could join the army for the first time in...

• 1970

• 1939, when WWII started

• in 1775 during the American War of Independence

Answer explanation

However, only a very small percentage of them has reached the highest ranks

Women were allowed to get divorced 100 years ago

• True

• False

Answer explanation

They could get divorced, but they had to prove that their husband had committed domestic abuse or adultery. Men did not have to prove anything to get divorced.

Source: BBCNews

Men and women are paid the same salary for the same job

• That would be great, but they aren't

• Of course! Are you kidding?

Answer explanation

Women are paid on average 13% less than their male workmates for the same job.

Source: Eurostat

Married women had more rights than single women 100 years ago

• No, they had the same rights

• Yes, because they were protected by their husbands

• No, because they needed permission from their husbands

Answer explanation

Married women could not manage their own money, they needed permission from their husbands to work and they were banned from some jobs.

What is glass ceiling? (techo de cristal)

• A transparent rooftop

• The barriers to advance in a profession

• The last trend in modern architecture

Answer explanation

Glass ceiling affects women mostly and relegates them from managing and ruling positions, although they are as qualified as male candidates. Only 18% of women are senior executives in Europe.

Source: Eurostat

Why is Women's Day celebrated on 8 March?

• Because on 8 March, 1911 thousands of women marched asking for basic rights in different countries.

• Because it is the day the authorities chose.

• Because it is not cold and people can demonstrate on the streets

Answer explanation

Women were asking for fair salaries and their right to vote, among other basic rights.

Do we really have to celebrate Women's Day nowadays?

• Yes, because it is about having more rights than other people.

• Of, course! People love having an excuse to protest.

• Yes, because it is about having the same opportunities, same salaries, and same real rights as men have.

Answer explanation

Women's rights have improved a lot in the last decades. Many people are now aware of the unequalities, and legal and social changes have been promoted. However, there is still much to do. Full equality needs to be achieved and in many countries women have no rights at all.

Women don´t want more rights, they want the same rights.