International Women's Day – Friday 8 March

8 March is International Women's Day, a worldwide event that celebrates women's achievements.

In some countries it is marked by a public holiday and in many schools across the country today, the curriculum will be tailored to recognise the achievements of women.

This year's theme is 'Balance For Better' - a nod to the growing global push for professional and social equality.

Did you know that on this day in history ...

• 1702 – Queen Anne, the last of the Stuarts on the English throne, succeeded her brother-in-law William III to become Queen – many of you may have seen the most recent film 'The Favourite' and Olivia Colman's Oscar winning performance of Queen Anne.
• 1917 – the Russian 'February Revolution' began in earnest with protests celebrating 'International Women's Day' – there were mass demonstrations by women with riots in Petrograd/St Petersburg over food rations and demands for an end to the war. These events contributed to the end of Tsarist rule.