Feature Archives
Saturday, March 8th is International Women's Day. The first IWD in the United States was observed in 1909, after a declaration by the Socialist Party of America. The day is observed in countries all over the world, with celebrations taking political, social, and cultural forms. In many cities around the world, women participate in a Global Women's Strike. Some organizers focus on the situation of women in countries such as Iran.
Tue Jan 15 2008 (Updated 01/19/08)
Anti-Choice Conference Accuses Oakland Clinic of Participating in Black Genocide
On Friday January 18th, anti-choicers gathered for a "Standing Up For Life" conference and march in Oakland. This particular gathering focused on the African American community of the East Bay and cited the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. They planned to march past the Women's Choice Clinic, as march organizers accused the clinic of participating in a racist holocaust. Those who support Oakland as a pro-choice community for all women confronted the anti-choicers in Frank Ogawa Plaza, just a few blocks from the clinic.
Sun Dec 30 2007 (Updated 01/21/08)
Roe v. Wade Anniversary Observed in San Francisco
On Saturday, January 19th, San Francisco pro-choicers celebrated the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision, which made abortion legal for women in the United States. For the first time in years, pro-choice marchers were granted a permit for a rally in San Francisco's Justin Herman Plaza. Following the rally, pro-choicers protested the "Walk for Life," in which thousands of anti-choice people from all over the state marched down the Embarcadero for an anti-abortion rally on the Marina Green. Pro-choice organizers said that "Roe v. Wade must be defended and expanded."
Thu Dec 27 2007 (Updated 01/01/08)
Former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto Assassinated
Benazir Bhutto was assassinated on December 27th. Bhutto was the first woman elected to lead a Muslim state. She was sworn in as Prime Minister in 1988 but was removed from office after only 20 months on grounds of alleged corruption. In 1993 Bhutto was re-elected but was again removed in 1996 on similar charges. In mid 2007, Bhutto appeared to have arranged a power sharing deal with the US backed dictator Pervez Musharraf, but the deal was scuttled when the Supreme Court appeared set to rule that Musharraf could not legally remain President. Musharraf declared emergency rule in December and replaced the Supreme Court. Bhutto was placed under house arrest and publicly denounced Musharraf, but refused to boycott elections set for January 2008.
Sun Dec 16 2007 (Updated 12/17/07)
December 17th is International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers
December 17th marks the 5th Annual International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers. The day calls attention to hate crimes committed against sex workers. The Sex Workers Outreach Project conceived of the event as a memorial and vigil for the victims of the Green River murders in Seattle, Washington. This day empowers sex workers and their supporters to come together to organize against discrimination and to remember victims of violence. A press conference on Monday on the steps of San Francisco City Hall (Polk side) at 11:30am will announce that the 5th Annual International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers will take place in Civic Center Plaza at 6pm.
Mon Dec 3 2007
Oakland Rally Before City Council to Demand Safe Access to Reproductive Health Services
Anti-choice protesters have reportedly been harassing, intimidating, threatening, and blocking patients, friends, family, and staff of reproductive health clinics in Oakland for years. The City of Oakland and East Bay clinics are uniting to support an ordinance protecting safe and unrestricted access to clinics. On Tuesday, December 4th, Oakland's City Council will consider an ordinance that would define penalties for those who try to interfere with access to clinics. Supporters will gather outside of City Hall for a 5pm rally.
Thu Aug 23 2007 (Updated 09/03/07)
87th Anniversary of U.S. Women's Right to Vote
August 26th is Women’s Equality Day. The date was selected to commemorate the 1920 passage of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, which granted women the right to vote. The 2nd Annual California Women's Equality Day Parade and Rally will take place on Saturday, August 25th, beginning at 9:30am at Sacramento's Southside Park, and ending in a rally on the West Steps of the Capitol at 11am. On Thursday, August 30th, Radical Women celebrated Women's Equality Day with an event at New Valencia Hall.
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