Kathryn Bigelow chose the right time to become the first women director to win an Oscar because today is International Women’s Day.  

First proposed in 1910 and launched in 1911, International Women’s Day came about because of a woman named Clara Zetkin (leader of the ‘Women’s Office’ for Germany’s Social Democratic Party), who thought every country should mark an annual Women’s Day to press for her gender’s demands.

1975 was designated ‘International Women’s Year’ by the United Nations, which officially sanctioned the day and started sponsoring it. Annual events are now organised by various bodies that work for the welfare of women and campaign for gender equality.

Though it originally came into existence because of women’s fight for better pay, voting rights and an end to discrimination, the annual celebration is now largely dedicated to inspiring women worldwide and celebrating their achievements.

March 8th also has poignant memories for me too. It would have been my 24th wedding anniversary if my first husband had survived his cancer.

Wishing all women, wherever you are in the world or your life’s journey, a fabulous day.