International Women's Day is an annual event that began in New York City around the turn of the twentieth century. Initially it sought to raise awareness of the achievements of women. In 1908, on this day, 15,000 women marched in New York City for better pay, working conditions, and an end to child labor. The day became a recognized holiday in many newly socialist countries over the next several years, but ironically fell off the radar, by and large, in the US, until the late 1960s.
Join us on Sunday, March 8th, beginning at 6 AM, as KBOO volunteers honor the contributions of women to art and culture, and raise awareness of the issues that continue to challenge us to action. With 21 hours of special programming produced by women, featuring information and music of the women of the world, and our own backyard.
Highlights of the day will include:
- The work of French Surrealist Joyce Mansour, produced by Grace Hague
- Country Women: A documentary about women's land, by Barbara Bernstein
- Singing Ladies of the Saddle: From the Girls of the Golden West to Patsy Montana, Truevine's Rachel Gold presents a special featuring cowgirl music of the 1920s to the 1960s. Yodel-ay-ee-tee!
- Retta Christie brings us: Women in Jazz: the 1930's and 40's, including Maxine Sullivan, Mildred Bailey and Billy Holiday
- Lyn Moelich interviews Deborah Rodriguez, about her experiences living in Kabul
- Lucia Galizia features a range of women vocalists in Italian music
- Kathy Fors features the music of the Roma people
- Liz Schwartz focuses on Jewish women playing klezmer, Yiddishe mamehs, and Sephardic Ladino songs
- Elizabeth Perry and Cristina Gonzales produce a special Mujeras Bravas, highlighting the educational issues affecting Latinas
- Carmen Martín-Stiles hosts a music program called, "Ya No Sufro Por Amor (I don´t suffer for love anymore)": exploring womens roles in relationships, through song
- Lisa Loving interviews Evelyne Ello-Hart, interim executive director of the African Women's Coalition, about the issues immigrant and refugee women face in the Portland area and her work in the community
- Crystal Leighty checks in with Real Wealth Portland, to discuss current activities of this local group inspired by the work of Riane Eisler
- Marlene Howell hosts a panel on the current state of Women's Studies
- Stephanie Potter interviews author Jean Shinoda Bolen
- The Portland roller derby scene gets a spotlight by Maggie Starr
And much more is in the works including programs including, information and interviews about women's body image and eating disorders, a discussion of art and gender, and much, much more.
Check the International Women's Day page for schedule updates and more information.