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International Women's Day live: Meghan Markle attends final London events as feminist march hits capital

The day has been celebrated for more than a century

Sarah Young
Sunday 08 March 2020 18:00 GMT
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International Women's Day 2020: How it began and why it's still important

International Women’s Day (IWD) is being celebrated around the world on Sunday 8 March, as people come together to champion the advancement of women’s rights and gender equality.

The day carries the clear theme of female empowerment, with a special focus on raising awareness of social and political issues affecting women.

Follow The Independent's live blog below for all the latest news on the event.

For all the latest news on International Women's Day, click here.

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Welcome to The Independent's live blog for International Women's Day 2020! We will be following all the action as people come together around the world to champion women’s rights, female empowerment and gender equality.

sarah.young8 March 2020 09:00
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International Women's Day is steeped in history, with the first event - then known as National Woman’s Day - taking place in the US on 28 February 1909.

Find out more about the history of International Women's Day here.

sarah.young8 March 2020 09:10
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While International Women's Day carries the clear theme of female empowerment, the way it is celebrated differs from country to country.

Read more about how International Women’s Day celebrations vary across the globe here.

sarah.young8 March 2020 09:14
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The coming months are packed with exhibitions, panel discussions and summits dedicated to championing women’s achievements and challenging gender bias.

Here is our go-to guide of the most inspiring feminist events around the world making a positive difference for women.

sarah.young8 March 2020 09:18
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Manor Park Police has shared a touching tribute to its Commissioner and all women around the world to mark International Women's Day.

sarah.young8 March 2020 09:32
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London mayor Sadiq Khan has called for women to be believed, respected, promoted and trusted on Twitter.

sarah.young8 March 2020 10:00
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Today, thousands of Londoners will be marching to mark International Women’s Day.

The events, which have been organised as part of Care International's #March4Women, will see crowds gather at two locations over the course of the afternoon.

The first event is an indoor rally happening at the Southbank Centre from midday and will feature performances from the likes of Emeli Sandé and RAYE.

The main event is the march itself and the procession is set to begin at Whitehall Place from 1.45pm.

sarah.young8 March 2020 10:15
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Women protesters in the Philippines march the streets calling for an end to imperialism and to the Duterte regime to mark International Women's Day.

sarah.young8 March 2020 10:45
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Are you looking for a way to get involved with International Women's Day? Why not use the event to show your support for female-focused charities?

Whether you are able to donate financially (on a one-off or regular basis) or lend your voice to raising awareness of their work, here are 12 charities to support this IWD.

sarah.young8 March 2020 11:00
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Women attended a candlelight vigil in the early hours of 8 March 8 2020 in Dhaka, Bangladesh to mark International Women's Day.

sarah.young8 March 2020 11:15

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