How has International Women's Day suddenly got so big?

[TunipTheVegemal]

I haven't imagined this, have I? It's only the in the last couple of years it's been talked about so much in this country, and this year, even more than last.

Why? What does it all mean?

About 10 people have wished me a Happy IWD today, it's amazing! :)

I think it means that more and more people are seeing the post-feminist 'we are all equal now' stance as the crock of shit it actually is.
At least that's what I hope.

It's good isn't it.

Huge feature in the independent the other day contrasting situation for women around the world
News features focussing on plight of women in places like afghanistan
IWD all over the radio today

It makes such change to have "women's stuff" out there more, it makes me feel like people still want to effect change and see the injustice and inequality that is out there

I think it's the power of the internet and sites like this too.

It's the resurgence of the feminist movement and also the fact that feminism has been being very effective at a global level.

Well this is all very pleasing, thank you for your answers everyone.

I hoped you'd say that!

Its great for me. I am where I live on my own - there is noone else like me so it gives me something to celebrate - being one of you wonderful women. I do agree with Nyac re the resurgence of the feminist movement.

Not sure, but apparently has been a bigger deal in some other countries for years. Here in the UK we are only just catching up.

I think it is the feminist movement fighting the backlash - and agree that the internet is a brilliant tool.

Yeah, it's been big in Russia for a very long time - and not necessarily all that feminist.

But I think it has been lovely this year, and it's definitely part of women wanting to show they are proud to be feminists IMO.

It played a big part in the Russian Revolution? I didn't know that.

In Russia it is a cross between Valentine's and Mother's day... not at all feminist. The owner of the Indi is a Russian (Alexandr Lebedev - is there any connection?).

Still a good day to mark.

It did not play a part in Russian Revolution. Lenin and Trotsky did (brilliantly).

I agree bebe... I think in a way it is even nicer that it's a day that has been used to celebrate women in other contexts because it helps form bridges between women who think of it in feminist terms and others who don't.