Protests and celebrations mark global women’s day

THE world marked International Women’s Day with protests and celebrations.

In Spain, the country’s first ‘feminist strike’ saw more than five million workers walk out in protest of the wage gap and sexual discrimination.

Protesters in the Philippines sang and danced in a rally in Manila’s Plaza Miranda, handing out red and white roses.

In London, the IWD flag flew over the Houses of Parliament, while French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe presented 50 measures to promote equality, resulting from a nationwide consultation which includes fines for companies not offering the same remuneration to staff.

In Ireland, demonstrations were held to highlight discrimination that still exists.

President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina welcomed playwrights, poets, writers and politicians to Áras an Uachtaráin. He said it was a privilege to have worked with others “in the promotion of equality and campaigns for the rights of women”.

Mr Higgins also referenced the campaigning work of

Eva Gore-Booth, Constance Markievicz, Hanna Sheehy Skeffington, Maud Gonne and the Dunnes Stores workers who supported the struggle against apartheid in South Africa.