From the Teacher Support Network, www.teachersupport.info.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY ON MONDAY

The occasion has been observed since the beginning of the last century.

Hundreds of events occur not just on this day but throughout March to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women.

The United Nations picks a theme for each year’s celebration. For 2010, this is ‘Equal rights, equal opportunities: Progress for all’.

The National College for School Leadership found recently that the number of female heads was at an all time high, having grown by seven per cent in five years. However, The Independent has also quoted statistics implying a major imbalance of male and female headteachers, stating: “Despite the massive preponderance of women in the profession, only 31 per cent of secondary heads are women and only 5 per cent of private co-ed schools have female heads.”

Male of female, we hope you have the opportunity to mark International Women’s Day, celebrate the contributions women have made historically around the world and think about the battles that still need to be one for women: whether it’s a fairer proportion of school leaders being female or the global fight for women’s equal access to education.

Events continue throughout March. You can find out more at the website, here.

You can also look at the following related factsheets:

· Sex discrimination – what are your rights?

· Women’s Aid

· What to do if you think you’re facing unlawful discrimination; harassment; colleague relationships; legal concerns