International Women’s Day is celebrating its 110th year and here is everything you need to know about it and how to get involved.

What is International Women’s Day?

International Women’s Day takes place on March 8 every year to celebrate how far women have come since 1908 and also to continue the fight on inequality. It is also centred around campaigning to close the gender pay gap, which according to the World Economic Forum won’t close until 2186.

When was the first International Women’s Day?

The idea of International Women’s Day started 110 years ago when 15,000 women marched the streets of New York to fight for voting rights and better pay. Since then it has grown and now each year all around the world women march and celebrate accomplishments and other women. In 2013 former President of the United States, Barack Obama, made the month of March in the US Women’s History Month.

What colour can I wear to support International Women’s Day?

The campaign colour for March 8 is purple. This colour was chosen because it was an important colour during the suffragette movement. Purple signifies justice and dignity. It’s strong.

How can I get involved?

The basic premise of IWD is to celebrate women. All of the women who have shaped your lives, influenced decisions, inspired and helped you. Whether it is your mum or your sister’s friend's aunt, it doesn't matter, if they have affected your life in some way then tell them, tell someone else, put it on Twitter. The most important thing is to talk about it. Say it out loud.

You can also sign up to the International Women’s Day website and they will send you links and information and events to join in with and stand up for.

What is #Metoo and #timesup?

For those of you who do not know about the Harvey Weinstein scandal, here is a short rundown of the events.

Movie mogul Harvey Weinstein was accused of raping and sexually assaulting a number of women in Hollywood, of taking advantage of his power and silencing those he allegedly abused. He denies all allegations of non-consensual sex.

Once a couple of women came forward, so did hundreds of others, all with their own but similar stories to tell of suffering abuse in Hollywood.

#MeToo is a Twitter campaign in which women around the world were encouraged to start talking about abuse and putting names to their abusers, coming out of the dark and bringing it to the forefront. It has started a mass campaign that has snowballed and still is.

#TimesUp came about when a handful of Hollywood actresses wore black to the Golden Globes to fight for the rights of women, women being abused in different countries and to put an end to workplace sexism.

How are we advancing women’s rights?

A lot of men have announced they would take a pay cut to advance the closing of the gender pay gap. But this attitude was met with hostility from some women saying it was patronising

Is it all worth it?

YES! Of course it is. This past year and a half has proved how vital it is to talk and be accepted by other people who have all been through the same thing. Even if you just tell three women

Is there an International Men’s Day?

Yes. But International Women’s Day is March 8 and that’s what this piece is about.