Centenary of International Women's Day Postage Stamp by Australia Post

Australia Post has issued a stamp to honor International Women's Day (IWD).

IWD is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. It is the story of ordinary women as makers of history and is rooted in the struggle of women to participate in society on an equal footing with men. The IWD global centenary is celebrated in 2011.

International Women's Day has been celebrated on 8 March each year since 1913, when the date was transferred from 19 March. It aims to promote positive change and raise awareness about problems women face in their everyday lives and is also a chance to celebrate the achievements of women. This date is also designated in many countries as a national holiday.

The first Australian IWD rally took place on 25 March 1928 in the Sydney Domain, organised by the Militant Women's Movement of the Communist Party of Australia, followed by IWD marches in Sydney and Melbourne in 1931. The first Australian IWD committee was established in 1936 in Sydney and aimed at organising large rallies and raising the prominence of IWD.

The stamp combines images and graphic elements, including the symbol for women, to create a celebratory feel that conveys the sense that this is a centenary for all women.