March 8th is International Women's Day, a day with a history as fascinating and unique as the women it celebrates.

The first Women's Day celebrations took place in 1909 in New York City, at the suggestion of American labour activist and suffragist Theresa Malkiel, and in 1910 an annual Women's Day was proposed at the International Socialist Women's Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark. In 1911, over a million people across Denmark, Austria, Germany, and Switzerland celebrated International Women's Day.

Soviet Russia was the first country to recognize the day as a national holiday in 1917, after women's suffrage demonstrations triggered the beginning of the Russian Revolution. 

Leon Trotsky wrote of that day that "meetings and actions were foreseen. But we did not imagine that this 'Women's Day' would inaugurate the revolution... But in the morning, despite the orders to the contrary [women] textile workers left their work in several factories and sent delegates to ask for support of the strike... which led to mass strike." One week later, the Emperor of Russia, Nicholas II, abdicated and the provisional government granted women the right to vote.

"One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman."
—Simone de Beauvoir

Every year in March, we celebrate Women's History Month, a month dedicated to highlighting the achievements of women throughout history and their contributions to contemporary society. 

It's safe to say that we wouldn't be where we are today without the incredible women who pioneered inventions such as computer software, stem cell isolation, telecommunications technology, and even the board game Monopoly.

“I love this book. It's beautifully put together, with articles about hundreds of women that are detailed yet the perfect bite-size length for kids and adults alike… My daughter has had it for months and I still catch her reading a few articles at random before bed all the time. It's a great book to just leaf through and learn a little history, and in my daughter's case, maybe pick up some inspiration as well.”

—   Amazon review

In honour of International Women’s Day on March 8^th, our book of the month for March 2018 is Girls Can Do Anything by Caitlyn Doyle, with illustrations by Chuck Gonzales.

Girls Can Do Anything is a collection of mini biographies of over 200 incredible women from history. Read about groundbreaking scientists and scholars; world-leading politicians and activists; legendary athletes; talented writers, musicians, and artists; and more.