Over the last century, women have become increasingly active, fighting for equality and justice in all areas of life. This struggle has always been reflected through the events held on International Women's Day, March 8. In South Australia, the first meeting of the International Women's Day Committee was held in 1938. It was attended by women representing a range of women's organisations, including Women's Council of Trade Unions, Women's Peace Pledge Union, the League of Women Voters, the Women's Welfare League and other unions and political parties. In 1946, celebrations were held in Adelaide Town Hall with 900 women attending. In 1972, the women of Adelaide took to the streets for the first time in a march organised by Women's Liberation, a tradition which has continued every year since. In 1998 women will once again march through Adelaide's streets to celebrate the past achievements of feminist activism and to make it clear that the struggle for equal rights and justice continues. That the fight for justice has not yet been won is highlighted this year by the focus on native title and justice for indigenous Australians. United, Adelaide women will march to defend native title and reject the Howard government's 10-point plan. South Australian women will gather at Tandanya Central (Victoria Square) at 10.30am on Saturday, March 7, where there will be greetings and acknowledgment of the Kaurna people's traditional ownership of the land in the Adelaide region, and a speech by Shirley Peasley from NAIDOC. We will then march to Parliament House for a rally before continuing on to Rymill Park for an afternoon of fun and festivities. The celebrations continue into the night with a dance at the Estonian Hall in North Adelaide (child-care provided).

International Women's Day is a day for women to come together in solidarity. It is a day of sisterhood, caring, sharing and feminist activism.

If you've never taken part in IWD activities, then make this year your first to come and share the celebration of women's achievements throughout the world.

This year is also the 150th anniversary of the first Women's Rights Convention in Seneca Falls, New York.

For more information, or to register for child-care, contact Heidi on 8302 2882 or Tanya on 8277 6050, or email Erica on emh@linx.net.au Adelaide