Here are some important annual events:

March

The UN Commission on the Status of Women meets in March

The United Nations Commission on the Status of Women is the largest meeting for women at the UN, providing a unique opportunity for YWCAs to influence the global agenda on women's empowerment and gender equality.

In 2011, the Commission on the Status of Women's annual session will be held from 22 February until 4 March 2011.

March 8 is International Women's Day

International Women's Day is a global celebration of the economic, political and social achievements of women.

March 21 is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

April

April 24 is World YWCA Day

World YWCA Day is a day of celebration marked by YWCAs all over the world each year.

May

May 6 is International No Diet Day

One of our favourites, International No Diet Day celebrates body acceptance and body shape diversity. This day is also aims to raise awareness of the dangers of dieting.

May 26 is Sorry Day

Each year, National Sorry Day commemorates the history of the forcible removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families and communities, and its tragic effects.  

May 31 is World No-Tobacco Day

World No-Tobacco Day draws global attention to the tobacco epidemic and the preventable death and disease it causes.

June

June 5 is World Environment Day

World Environment Day raises awareness of environmental issues and enhances political attention and action.

June 20 is World Refugee Day

World Refugee Day is dedicated to raising awareness of the situation of refugees throughout world.

July

July 4 - 11 is NAIDOC Week

NAIDOC Week celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

July 11 is  World Population Day

World Population Day seeks to raise awareness of global population issues.

August

August 9 is the International Day of the World's Indigenous People

The goal of this day is to strengthen international cooperation to solve problems faced by indigenous people in areas such as culture, education, health, human rights, the environment, and social and economic development.

August 12  is International Youth Day

International Youth Day is an opportunity to draw attention to youth issues worldwide.

September

Equal Pay Day is held around September each year

Did you know that on average women get paid 18% less than men?  Equal Pay Day marks the date on which women’s annual earnings reach the same as men’s in the previous financial year. Equal Pay Day in 2010 was held on 4 September, signifying that on average, women had to work 66 extra days in 2009-2010 than men to earn the same amount of money.

September 21 is the International Day of Peace

The International Day of Peace is a global call for ceasefire and non-violence.

October

October 17 is International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty promotes awareness of the need to eradicate poverty and destitution in all countries, particularly in developing countries.

Third Week in October is World YWCA Week Without Violence

The World YWCA Week Without Violence is an annual, worldwide campaign organised by the YWCA to encourage communities to think and act towards a world without violence.

Last Friday in October is Reclaim the Night

Reclaim the Night is a global women’s protest against men’s sexual violence on the last Friday in October each year.

November

November 20 is Universal Children's Day

Universal Children's Day celebrates children and raises awareness of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

November 25 is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women raises public awareness of the problem of violence against women. White Ribbon Day takes place on this day.


December

December 1 is World Aids Day

World AIDS Day aims to raise community awareness about HIV and AIDS issues, including the need for support for and understanding of people living with HIV/AIDS, and the need for ongoing education and prevention initiatives.

December 3 is International Day of Persons with Disabilities

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilise support for the dignity, rights and wellbeing of persons with disabilities.

The day also seeks to raise awareness of the gains to be had from integrating persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.

December 10 is International Human Rights Day

International Human Rights Day honours the UN General Assembly's adoption and proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.