How much do you know about International Women’s Day?

What exactly is International Women’s Day?
International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It aims to advance gender parity.

When did International Women’s Day start?
The first official International Women’s Day was held in 1911. It was celebrated on March 19 in Switzerland, Austria, Germany, and Denmark, and was the direct result of the 1910 International Conference of Working Women. At the conference, which took place in Copenhagen, a German woman named Clara Zetkin proposed the idea. Zetkin’s proposal was unanimously approved by the more than100 women in attendance.

So, why do we now celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8?
In 1913, International Women’s Day was officially changed to March 8. March 8, 1917 on the Gregorian calendar was a significant date for Russian women. A women’s strike for “bread and peace” began over the deaths of Russian soldiers in World War I. When the strike concluded four days later, Russian women had won the right to vote under the country’s provisional government.
In 1975, the United Nations began officially celebrating International Women’s Day.

How is International Women’s Day celebrated around the world?
International Women’s Day is celebrated in countries all around the world, including but not limited to the United Kingdom, Russia, China, Japan, Brazil, and the United Arab Emirates. Many countries have their own associated traditions. For example, in Italy, women are given bouquets of yellow mimosa flowers.

An Expat wife's salary

Usually I refrain from commenting on politics although I do enjoy following certain countries' politics and passionate campaigns. However, M. Fillion's hiccup is just too good to pass up.

Francois Fillon, the conservative politician tipped to become France’s next president has found himself at the centre of a political scandal after he was accused of paying his wife as - what he calls - a parliamentary assistant.

Penelope Fillon reportedly received the equivalent of 900'000.- Euro of taxpayers’ money.
“Just because she is my wife she should not be entitled to work? Could you imagine a politician saying, as this story did, that the only thing a woman can do is making jam? All the feminists would scream," he said.

Ok. M.Fillion, I would like to thank you. You just put a number to all expat trailblazing wives' duties;
(in brackets would be my personal interpretation of the duty he cited during yesterday's press conference):

- Personal secretary (family social agenda including travel planning, medical visits, documentation)
- Events planner (Playdates, Sleepovers, Sports events)
- Communication officer (Rules and Regulation policy commander in chief, Media coordinator)
- Family representant (Associations, School, PTA)
- HR coordinator (Personal development, siblings litigations, in-laws coordination)
- Customer service (Complaints department, Guarantor of WIFI service, warm meals and clean clothes)

Monthly salary: EURO 4'700.-

Oh... and by the way this does NOT include the housework nor the endless administrative paperwork that comes with every move! However, we could throw in some jam-making if you're really nice to us.

Maintenant, il ne faut plus se trumper!

Every once in a while I get carried away... the Sister March in Paris to the Women’s March on Washington D.C was definitely one of those moments. I am not a political person but this movement struck a cord in me, somewhere between the human rights and women's lib I found a cause I identified with. It was nothing to do with Donald Trump... this was bigger, it was about personal conviction and fundamental beliefs.

I invited Expat Girl to join me in the March which was to lead us from the Trocadero Esplanade of human rights to the Wall for Peace Monument on the Champ de Mars. Rather sheepishly she declined because she didn't feel safe to walk with such a big crowd of people. I respect that. The terrorist attacks had had an impact on her young life and there were things she was not prepared to do.

As I walk towards the terrace where the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10, 1948 I was surprised to hear only murmurs and relaxed conviviality. Usually during demonstrations you can hear shouts and chants a block away from the Trocadero.

Sure enough, as I came around the Musée de l'Homme - ten minutes before the March was suppose to begin - I saw a little crowd, women of all ages holding various signs and flags. Were the Parisiennes suitably late or was this just not on the city's agenda I thought a wee bit disappointed?

True to French style, however, people were late, and half an hour later thousands had turned up and it was impossible for the tourists to even attempt to get a picture of the Eiffel Tower from the Trocadero Esplanade.

With grace, dignity and conviviality women AND men from France, the USA, Mexico, Spain, New Zealand and many other places walked the walk side by side, each with their own belief and their own cause at heart. There was no aggressiveness, no arguments, no shouting or screaming. People were talking with their neighbours, smiling at one another, kids were asking each other where they were from in English, journalists were taking snapshots to capture the serene and peaceful mood of the colourful crowd blessed with sunshine and a wonderful and rare blue winter sky.

A unique and unforgettable afternoon in the French capital born of a solidarity movement with the Women’s March in the USA which will go down in history and in my memory as a very special moment of this complex, modern world.

As one of the signs said: "Maintenant, il ne faut plus se trumper!

Some say we were 7000 at Trocadero today!

A sign that sums it all up

Il faut du tout pour faire un monde

Best script board

The beauty of this march is that everybody can have their own agenda!

Recognise this Spanish sign?

Every person has their own personal reasons to participate

The French are part of the party as well!

An impressive view

Ready to march the March 

The beauty of this sign is that it was carried by a man!

Arriving at the Wall of Peace with police escort

Greeting our sisters in Washington DC

A peaceful Saturday afternoon march comes to an end

The Wall of Peace, a favourite site of rendezvous for militants of human rights

Picture of the day: "Je suis une femme"

International Day of the Girl

In 2011, as the result of youth advocacy around the world, the United Nations declared October 11th as the International Day of the Girl. Its mission is “to help galvanize worldwide enthusiasm for goals to better girls’ lives, providing an opportunity for them to show leadership and reach their full potential.”

It is a day when activist groups come together under the same goal to highlight, discuss, and take action to advance rights and opportunities for girls everywhere.

The challenges girls face differ across the world, but by ensuring data on girls is gathered and recorded, it is hoped that this year’s International Day of the Girl will support future progress by recording present facts.

Girls in numbers:
-  70% of the world’s poor are girls and women
-  62m Number of girls who should be in school but are not.
-  830 girls and young women die during pregnancy and childbirth every day
-  55% of the 20.9m victims of forced labour are girls and women
-  39,000 girls are married before they turn 18

Source: plan-international.org/because-i-am-a-girl

October 11 is not just a day; it’s a movement!

This is for my girls...

In March, the First Lady Michelle Obama launched Let Girls Learn to address the range of challenges preventing adolescent girls across the globe from attaining a quality education that empowers them to reach their full potential.

Let Girls Learn employs a holistic approach to change the perception of the value of girls at the individual, community and institutional levels; fostering an enabling environment for adolescent girls’ education; and engaging and equipping girls to make life decisions and important contributions to society.

But Michelle Obama did not stop there, she enlisted a major girl squad to sing the power anthem "This Is For My Girls." The song, which was inspired by the Let Girls Learn initiative and the 62 million girls around the world who do not have access to education, features Kelly Clarkson, Missy Elliott, Jangle Monáe, Kelly Rowland, Zendaya, Lea Michele, Chloe x Halle, and Jadagrace.

While the First Lady is not featured on "This Is For My Girls," it was a natural fit for her to join James Corden for a Carpool Karaoke segment to sing the song and celebrate the power of musical activism.

Now, I don't know about you, but my vote definitely goes to the current first lady!

Meet Swiss Miss

Swiss Miss is my absolute favourite Swiss blogger despite the fact that she lives and works in New York.

Tina Roth Eisenberg, a Swiss born and raised graphic designer, runs four side-projects-gone- businesses out of DUMBO, Brooklyn; a collaborative co-working space called Studiomates, a global, monthly lecture series called CreativeMornings, TeuxDeux the simple to-do app and Tattly, a design-y temporary tattoo shop.

She is one busy and creative women. Come meet Tina and read her story how she turned several side projects into full time labors of love: Click here

Tina is often referred to as Swissmiss after her popular design blog which is also the name of her Twitter handle. Check out her Friday Link packs, they are full of eclectic tips and creative information.

Calling for Wellness Warriors in Lugano

Anyone else feeling this zesty spring energy?! If you're ready for an 8 week boost, Courtenay and Amy are launching Wellness Warriors: a unique, total health program blending fitness & yoga with nutrition & healthy living to offer a new & complete approach to wellness.

Located at the new HORIZON club with stunning views over Lugano this 8-week course empowers you with the knowledge, motivation & support you need to enjoy life with ease & energy.

As a Wellness Warrior, you will receive:

- Free 20 minute phone consultation with Courtenay or Amy
- Welcome Pack
- Personalised Nutrition & Lifestyle Analysis
- 2hr weekly WELLNESS sessions with Courtenay & Amy
- Weekly Goal & Habit setting
- 8 weeks of home workouts & yoga practice
- Nutritional Guidance & Support
- 8 weeks of continual support & coaching in a powerful community

The Wellness Warrior Course begins Wednesday, April 6. What are you waiting for? Contact either Amy or Courtney for more details at: amyker@amykfit.com or courtenaymastain@gmail.com or click here to see the flyer. For more info check out: Mytree Yoga.

This is your chance to meet a fun community of like minded women! Namaste!

The origin of Women's Day

The origin of International Women's Day (IWD) is drawn from more than one historical event and began as an acknowledgement of women's struggle to make their workplaces better. Created out of protest and political action, it is a symbol for all those who honour women's struggles to improve their lives.

Originally the day of remembrance symbolised the efforts to end appalling working conditions endured by women.

At the beginning of the twentieth century, many women in industrially-developing countries entered the labour force taking jobs with low wages, poor working conditions and little or no chance of improvement. Such conditions led to industrial disputes, involving both unionised and non-unionised women workers. It was their struggle that created the global impetus for an International Women's Day.

Today, it is also seen as a day of celebration of women, all that they do, and the accomplishments they have made. Women and men celebrate International Women's Day to honour those who began the struggle and those who continue to work for change and recognition of all efforts to improve the lives of women, both locally and globally.

Did you know that back in 1789, during the French Revolution, Parisian women calling for "liberty, equality, fraternity" demanded women's suffrage for the first time as they marched to Versailles?

The first recorded organised action by working women anywhere in the world took place in New York on March 8, 1857, when hundreds of women in the garment and textile factories staged a strike in protest of low wages, long working hours, inadequate pay, inhumane working conditions and the lack of the right to vote.

In 1917 in Russia, International Women’s Day acquired great significance – it was the flashpoint for the Russian Revolution. On March 8th women workers in Petrograd held a mass strike and demonstration demanding Peace and Bread. The strike movement spread from factory to factory and effectively became an insurrection. In 1922, in honour of the women’s role on IWD in 1917, Lenin declared that March 8th should be designated officially as women’s day.

The United Nations involvement principally began in 1977 when the General Assembly passed a resolution inviting each country to proclaim, in accordance with its historical and national traditions and customs, any day of the year as United Nations Day for Women's Rights and International Peace.

Over 150 countries have so far ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, (CEDAW) legally committing themselves to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women.

Here is a list of famous influential women who changed the world to share with your children and which will provide endless hours of discussion. It includes women’s rights activists, female poets, musicians, politicians, humanitarians and scientists: http://www.biographyonline.net/people/women-who-changed-world.html

Happy Women's Day

IGNITE YOUR FEMALE POWER (Women only seminar)

Join the IWCL Evening group for a talk with American Guest Speaker Erin Marie Godin!

Erin is a leadership and motivational coach who has the ambition to inspire greatness in your life, relationships and business. She is a certified member of the John Maxwell team and will help you cultivate and maintain success through her energetic influence!

She will be covering topics such as:
1. Embracing change and honoring the struggle/progress cycle in life.
2. Tapping into your bravery when faced with “quantum leap” decisions, either big opportunities or situations where you need to choose – stay or leave.
3. Infusing HOPE for a brighter future so women feel empowered and confident in the path they chose. Her mission is to motivate women to intentionally find their strength before a tragedy forces it out of them.

Venue: WOMEN ONLY SEMINAR: IGNITE YOUR FEMALE POWER
Where: Franklin University, Kalestch Campus, Classroom 1 Via Ponte Tresa 29, 6924 Sorengo
When: Monday, November 30, 2015
Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm            
The seminar is free!

LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE!
Please write to IWCL Evening Group (iwcleveninggroup@gmail.com) if you wish to join.

Ladies' night at the Splash&Spa

Today one of my friends suggested a I join her for a ladies night out. What I didn't realise is that it does not only include good company but also sublime pampering.

Forget your work schedules, commitments and everyday demands. Treat yourself to an evening of complete relaxation and wellbeing with your girlfriends.

Every 1st and 3rd Monday of the month, from 17.30 until 22.00, Splash & Spa will pamper you with different themed activities.

- Facial mask
- Ritual infusions with face and body peeling
- Turkish bath with Rhassoul therapeutic mud
- Healthy culinary delights

To top it all, a wellness expert will be at your service during the evening to answer all your questions. The entrance to the Splash area is included in the offer of Chf 65.- per person.

All the sauna areas are reserved exclusively for women. The Hamam area and all the other SPA attractions are accessible to everybody.

So what are you waiting for, go ahead and make your reservation now.

Venue: Ladies Night
Where: Splash & Spa, via Campagnole 1, 6802 Rivera-Monteceneri
Date: Every 1st and 3rd Monday of the month
Time: 17:30 to 22:00
Book here: http://splashespa.ch/en/ or call 091/936'22'22

Beautiful is a great word...

Dove is known for its powerful, inspiring ad campaigns, and can be credited as one of the first major companies to shift the conversation and spotlight onto real women. The result? Videos that are viral sensations and strike a serious emotional chord with audiences. This latest endeavor might be the iconic beauty brand's most moving effort yet.

For its "Choose Beautiful" campaign, Dove highlighted five cities across the globe — San Francisco, Shanghai, Delhi, London, and Sao Paulo. Women in local shopping areas were filmed as they walked up to one of two doors; each entrance was marked with a bold sign reading "average" or "beautiful." The camera followed the women as they entered through their chosen door, where they were asked to explain their thought process, and to define the term "beautiful."

Inspiration for Int'l. Women's Day

To celebrate International Women's Day I wanted to share a few quotes to remember the strong women that came before us and made their own they. They shattered glass and broke ceilings, and inspired us through their actions and words to move mountains.

Let their words inspire you to help you feel motivated to reach your goals.

“A woman with a voice is, by definition, a strong woman.”
Melinda Gates

“If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman.”
Margaret Thatcher

“The question isn’t who’s going to let me; it’s who’s going to stop me.”
Ayn Rand

“It doesn’t matter who you are, where you come from. The ability to triumph begins with you. Always.”
Oprah Winfrey

“One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman.”
Simone de Beauvoir

“Courage is like a muscle. We strengthen it by use.”
Ruth Gordon

“The best protection any woman can have … is courage.”
Elizabeth Cady Stanton

“Being powerful is like being a lady. If you have to tell people you are, you aren’t.”
Margaret Thatcher

“I just love bossy women. I could be around them all day. To me, bossy is not a pejorative term at all. It means somebody’s passionate and engaged and ambitious and doesn’t mind leading.”
Amy Poehler

Happy Women's Day

A different Women's Day Celebration

You are kindly invited to celebrate the International Women's Day with DAISI (Donne Amnesty International Svizzera Italiana) on March the 7th, 2015.

Listen to the presentation of Isabella Cassina, a social worker in the field of immigration in collaboration with DAISI (Donne Amnesty International Svizzera Italiana).

Come and enjoy the theatre performance ALAS PARA VOLAR (Wings to Fly), a Frida Kahlo's monologue by the Mexican actress Veronica Rodriguez Quintal.

A truly unique event in Lugano and a very different way to mark this special day.

Venue: Celebration of International Women's Day with DAISI
Where: CERS, Via Landriani 10, 6900 Lugano
When: Saturday, March 7th, 2015
Time: 18:30
Cost: Donations will be accepted after the performance which will be in Spanish. A buffet will be available for CHF 10.- /person if you wish
Please RSVP to caminocultural@hotmail.com by March 5th, 2015

Girl Rising in Lugano

When great minds think alike....call it coincidence or call it obvious - given that yesterday the world celebrated Int'l. Women's Day - in any case, following my post of March 8th raising awareness for a project called "Girl Rising", tonight I stumble across a post on Lugano's Expat facebook page announcing the screening of this film. "Girl Rising" is a global campaign for girls' education. It brings together visionaries: girls, women, boys and men who know that educating girls is the smartest investment of our time. You can join the movement. Find out how.

Following is the film's trailer to give some insight why your support is needed:


To secure booking, payment in advance is advised. Insert your name and "Girl Rising" so the organizers know who paid. Please contact at Anna-Marie.Mathew@nielsen.com

Venue: Girl Rising screening
Where: Cinema Iride, Quartiere Maghetti, 6900 Lugano
When: Wednesday, March 12th, 2014
Time: 19:00 Aperò at the Golf Café, Galleria Via della Posta 2, Lugano
Screening commences at 20:00 at the Cinema Iride, Quartiere Maghetti, 6900 Lugano
Cost: Chf 30.- p.p incl. aperò and entrance fee. All proceeds will be donated to Girl Rising foundation.
RSVP: Anna-Marie.Mathew@nielsen.com along with e-mail proof of payment.

And don't forget, as Nelson Mandela once said: "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."

Curious facts about Women

Happy International Women’s Day! Ideally I would send each and every one of my reader's a bunch of yellow mimosas but in this virtual world I will instead share some amazing facts about women:

- Researchers have claimed that women speak about 20,000 words a day on average. It’s just 7,000 for men.
- According to Care.org, women produce half the world’s food but own only one percent of its farmland.
- Mary Queen of Scots has been attributed to creating the world’s first golf course.
- There are currently 17 countries with women as heads of government, heads of state, or both; this, according to the UN, is more than double what it was in 2005.
- Of the 161 million women currently living in the US, nearly 85.4 million (54 percent) are mothers.
- Generally considered to be the world’s first novel, The Tale of Genji was written in Japan around AD 1000 by Murasaki Shikibu—a woman.
- The average woman owns more than 25 pairs of shoes.
- Research has shown that the probability of a woman giving birth to a baby girl instead of a baby boy increases significantly the nearer she lives to the equator.
- The two highest IQs ever recorded on a standard test both belong to women.
- According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), 39 million girls worldwide are not enrolled in school and are denied a secondary education.

To learn more about the struggle for girls’ education around the world, please watch the film *Girl Rising", presented by 10X10. The documentary, directed by Academy Award nominee Richard Robbins, tells the stories of nine extraordinary girls from nine countries, written by nine celebrated writers and narrated by nine renowned actresses including Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway.