March 8, 2012 - Today is International Women’s Day, which recognizes the achievements of women around the world in working for gender equality. International Women’s Day developed out of the labor movements of the early 20th century, and has been used to advocate for fair working conditions and the right to vote. The United Nations formally acknowledged International Women’s Day in 1975.

In proclaiming March Women’s History Month, Present Barack Obama called upon Americans to also celebrate International Women's Day and “honor the history, accomplishments, and contributions of American women.”

Legal Momentum supports the human rights of all women, in the United States and throughout the world, and has advocated the incorporation of principles of international human rights law into the U.S. legal system through advocacy and amicus curiae briefs. Legal Momentum’s Immigrant Women Program (IWP) addresses some of the challenges immigrant women face, working with federal agencies and Congress to develop better policies and training for advocates, service providers, and law enforcement personnel.

Recognizing International Women’s Day is important as a reminder both of what women have accomplished and what women still must overcome. Women throughout history have made incredible contributions to society, through national leadership, politics, space exploration, science, business, the military and the arts. Yet women today still face tremendous gender discrimination, poverty, violence, lack of educational opportunities, lack of access to healthcare, and societal repression.

Legal Momentum encourages everyone to celebrate International Women’s Day and work towards equality for all women and girls.