INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

Watch the video “What Is International Women's Day?” by ClickView.

PICTURE ROUND
Study and discuss the pictures below as a class, then answer the questions.

Let’s discuss:

a) What is happening in each picture?

b) Is it common to see women do these activities in your country?
c) Could women have done these activities 100 years ago in your country?

ESL Pals 1 General English

 KEY WORDS
Study the key words taken from the video. Then choose the correct definition.

1. International Women’s Day

a. A day when women globally don’t have to work.
b. A day to focus on improving and celebrating women’s rights globally.

2. Gender equality.
a. To treat everyone equally, regardless of whether they are male or female.
b. To give admin jobs to men, while women focus on their careers and hobbies.

3. Suffrage
a. The right to work.
b. The right to vote.

4. Social and political union.

a. An organisation that tries to get social and political change, particularly on
issues related to gender, women's rights, and equality.
b. A group of people who enjoy socialising and discussing political topics while
enjoying tea and coffee.

5. Activism
a. The efforts by individuals or groups to bring about political or social change,
often through protests, rallies and strikes.
b. A group or organisation that spreads fake news to create chaos and
confusion in a society or community.

6. Stereotypes
a. A generalised opinion of a person or group of people.
b. A true statement about a person, place or thing.

Task: Now, use the words to discuss the pictures in exercise 1.

International Women’s Day Stereotypes Gender equality

Social and political union Suffrage Activism

ESL Pals 2 General English

 AGREE, DISAGREE AND SUGGEST
Study the following phrases then put the phrases into the correct categories.

● That’s a great idea also…

● Yes, you’re right. And…

● Why don’t we… (+infinitive)?

● I don’t agree with you because…

● To be honest, I think we should… (+infinitive).

● I totally agree with you.

● How about… (+verb+ing)?

● I don’t think that’s a good idea, because…

● What do you think about… (+verb+ing)?

● I’m not sure about that because…

● That’s true. And…

● Do you think we should… (+infinitive)?

Phrases to agree Phrases to disagree Phrases to suggest

1. __________________ 1. __________________ 1. __________________

2. __________________ 2. __________________ 2. __________________

3. __________________ 3. __________________ 3. __________________

4. __________________ 4. __________________ 4. __________________

Task: Can you think of any more phrases to go into the boxes?

ESL Pals 3 General English

 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY ACTIVITIES
Work in groups. Read the information on each card, then complete the tasks on each
card by answering the following questions:

1. Discuss the different ideas each group member has for each event.
2. Think about where, when, how, and who will attend each event.
3. Use the phrases from Exercise 3 to discuss each event.
4. Take a few minutes to finalise your plans for each event.
5. Present your ideas for each event to the class.

International Women’s Day International Women’s Day

You have been asked to organise a sport You have been asked to organise a protest
event in your local community to celebrate or strike in your local area to protest
women in sport. gender inequality.

International Women’s Day International Women’s Day

You have been asked to organise an event You have been asked to organise a music
in your local area to celebrate working event with female musicians to celebrate
women in all industries. women’s music.

ESL Pals 4 General English

 VIDEO COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS
Study the statements below, based on the video, and decide if they are true or false.

1. International Women's Day is celebrated every year on the 8th of March.

2. International Women's Day is a day to recognise male achievement.

3. Gender equality means that all genders should have equal rights and access to
opportunities.

4. Women have always had the same rights and privileges as men throughout history.

5. Women fought for suffrage, the right to vote, in the late 19th century.

6. Emily Pankhurst formed the women's social and political union in 1903 to fight for
women's suffrage.

7. Women's activism led to years of protests, rallies and strikes for suffrage, and some
even lost their lives.

8. The representation of the people bill was passed in 1918, giving all women over 21
the right to vote.

9. All women over 21 were allowed to vote in the UK in 1928.

10. Britain had its first female prime minister in 1979.

11. Stereotypes can prevent individuals from reaching their potential.

12. Women are the majority in parliament, leadership roles and career fields like science
and engineering.

13. Gender equality is important for everyone in society.

14. During World War I, the women's suffrage movement shifted its focus to encourage
women's involvement in the war effort.

15. Women were excluded from working as mechanics and drivers before World War I.

ESL Pals 5 General English

 VIDEO QUOTES
Complete the quotes, from the video, by using the words from the boxes.

activism rights gradually protests suffrage encourage

1. Throughout history women have had to fight for the _____________ we enjoy today.

2. Change occurred _____________ through the tireless efforts of brave women and
men fighting together for what is right.

3. In the 19th century the fight for women's _____________ began gaining momentum.

4. Emily Pankhurst responded by forming the women's social and political union in
1903 which encouraged a stronger type of _____________.

5. This led to years of _____________, rallies and strikes with women being arrested,
jailed, injured and some even losing their lives in the fight for suffrage.

6. When the first world war was declared in 1914 suffragettes shifted their campaign
to _____________ women's involvement in the war effort.

engineering mechanics freedoms equality fair Stereotypes

7. Women took on responsibilities and jobs that they were previously excluded from
like working as _____________ and drivers.

8. It wasn't until 1928 that all women over 21 were finally allowed to vote. The right
to vote is important in creating a society that is _____________ and just.

9. If everyone has the same rights and _____________ a society can grow and develop
in a way that benefits everyone.

10. _____________ can be really damaging and can prevent you from being yourself and
reaching your potential.

11. Today, women are still the minority in parliament, leadership roles and career fields
like science and _____________ as well as making less money than men on average.

12. This International Women's Day think about what you could do to help in the fight
for _____________ because everyone benefits when we are all treated equally.

ESL Pals 6 General English

 VIDEO DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Answer and discuss the following questions. Use all the words and information learned
in today’s class. Say as much as you can, and have fun!

1. What is International Women's Day?

2. Why is International Women's Day important?

3. What does gender equality mean?

4. How have women had to fight for their rights throughout history?

5. Who was Emily Pankhurst?

6. What did Emily Pankhurst do to fight for women's suffrage?

7. How did suffragettes change their campaign during World War I?

8. When were women given the right to vote in the UK?

9. What are some ways that gender inequality is still present today?

10. What are stereotypes and how do they affect people?

11. What are some career fields where women are still a minority?

12. What can people do to help in the fight for gender equality?

WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF…

Let’s finish the class with a fun exercise. Study each situation, then explain to the class
what you would do in each situation. Follow the structure, “If I… I would…”.

1. If you found a lost wallet on the street, what would you do?

2. If you missed the last train home, what would you do?

3. If you accidentally spilled coffee on someone's shirt, what would you do?

4. If you received a job offer in a different city, what would you do?

5. If you were going to be late for an important meeting, what would you do?

6. If you were feeling stressed, what would you do to relax?

ESL Pals 7 General English

HOMEWORK
Read the article then complete the writing exercise on the following page.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
International Women's Day (IWD) is a day
celebrated on March 8th every year to
honour the contributions of women and
their achievements. The day was first
observed in the early 1900s and has since
become a global event. IWD is recognized
by many countries, organisations, and
individuals worldwide and is an important
day for advocating for gender equality.
The origins of IWD can be traced back to
the women's suffrage movement in the
United States and Europe in the late 19th
and early 20th centuries. Women's rights
activists organised rallies and protests to
demand the right to vote, better working
conditions, and an end to discrimination.
In 1908, a group of women in New York
organised the first National Women's
Day, which was observed on February
28th. The following year, the Socialist
Party of America declared the first
International Women's Day on March 8th.
The importance of IWD lies in its
celebration of women's achievements and
the ongoing struggle for gender equality.
It is a day to raise awareness of the
challenges that women face, including
discrimination, violence, and unequal
opportunities. IWD also provides a
platform for women to come together and
advocate for change.
However, the celebration of IWD is not
without controversy. Some critics argue
ESL Pals
that the day has been co-opted by
corporations and governments to sell
products or promote their agendas.
Others criticise the focus on gender
equality, arguing that it ignores the
unique challenges faced by different
groups of women, such as women of
colour or women in poverty.
Despite these criticisms, IWD remains an
important day for celebrating women and
advocating for their rights. It has inspired
countless women's movements around
the world, including the Women's March
in the United States and the #MeToo
movement, which has brought attention
to sexual harassment and assault.
In recent years, the theme of IWD has
been focused on #ChooseToChallenge,
which encourages individuals to
challenge gender stereotypes and
inequality. This theme highlights the
importance of everyone, regardless of
gender, to work towards gender equality
and create a more equitable world for all.
In conclusion, International Women's Day
is a day to celebrate women's
achievements and advocate for gender
equality. While it has faced controversy, it
remains an important day for raising
awareness of the challenges women face
and inspiring action towards a more just
and equitable world
8 General English
 TEST YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Study the statements below, based on the article, and decide if they are true or false.

1. International Women's Day is celebrated on March 8th every year.

2. The day was first observed in the 18th century.

3. Women's rights activists organised rallies and protests to demand better working
conditions and an end to discrimination.

4. The first International Women's Day was declared by the Socialist Party of America.

5. IWD is an important day for advocating for gender equality.

6. The celebration of IWD has not faced any controversy.

7. Some critics argue that the day is used improperly by businesses and governments.

8. The focus on gender equality ignores the unique challenges faced by different
groups of women.

9. IWD has inspired countless women's movements around the world.

10. The theme of IWD in recent years has been focused on #ChooseToChallenge.

11. The #MeToo movement has brought attention to sexual harassment and assault.

12. IWD is a day to celebrate men’s and women's achievements.

ESL Pals 9 General English

 WRITING TASK
On a separate piece of paper, write detailed answers to the following questions. Use the
language and ideas presented throughout the lessons wherever possible.

1. What is International Women's Day?

2. When is International Women's Day celebrated?

3. Why did women's rights activists organise rallies and protests?

4. Who declared the first International Women's Day?

5. Why is IWD an important day?

6. What controversy has IWD faced?

7. What do some critics argue about IWD?

8. What do some argue is ignored by the focus on gender equality?

9. What movements has IWD inspired?

10. What has the theme of IWD been focused on in recent years?

11. What has the #MeToo movement brought attention to?

12. Who is celebrated on International Women's Day?

ESL Pals 10 General English