What is International Women’s Day?
Preparation task
Match the definitions (a-k) with the vocabulary (1-11).
Vocabulary
1. …… suffrage
2. …… achievement
3. …… to call to action
4. …… gender equality
5. …… to speak your mind
6. …… tireless efforts
7. …… blindfolded
8. …… to affect
9. …… lack of
10. …… strike
11. …… stereotype
Definition
a. regardless of gender, everyone is granted the
same rights, privileges and access to
opportunities
b. working energetically and continuously
c. to refuse to continue working because of an
argument with an employer about working
conditions, pay levels, or job losses
d. the fact that something is not available or
that there is not enough of it
e. the right to vote in political elections
f. to have an influence on someone or
something, or to cause a change in someone or
something
g. something such as a speech, piece of writing,
or act that asks or encourages people to act
about a problem
h. something good that you have done that was
difficult
i. used to say someone's eyes are covered to
stop them from seeing
j. to say what you think about something very
directly
k. a generalised opinion of a person or group of
people
Task 1
True or false? Correct false sentences using information from the video. (watch again from 0:00 to
4:08)
1. One hundred years ago, women couldn’t access many of the most common rights, such as
owning property, attending public areas, having an active role in politics, and so on.
2. Women have been fighting alone for reaching their rights.
3. Emmeline Pankhurst encouraged a more violent/stronger activism for achieving women’s
rights.
4. Some women died in the feminist fight for equal rights.
5. Despite the outbreak of WW1, women kept on fighting for equal rights.
6. In Britain, it wasn’t until 1928 that all women over 25 were finally allowed to vote.
7. After reaching the right to vote, women didn’t stop fighting for gender equality.
8. Britain had its first female prime minister more than 70 years after the first union for
women’s social and political rights was formed.
Task 2
Complete the sentences from the video with words from the video. If it is too difficult, use the
words from the box. (watch again from 4:09 to 5:59)
equally
reach
leadership
prevent
restrictive
healthcare
vulnerable
abundance
1. We are fortunate to live in a time and place where incredible opportunities are in ________
_______________ .
2. Everyone can get an education, access _________________________, get a job and speak
their minds.
3. We still have some work to do before we _______________________ equality for all.
4. These phrases exist because of centuries of ______________________ ideas about gender
that really aren’t true or fair.
5. It’s normal and ok to express your feelings and to be _____________________________ .
6. Stereotypes are really damaging and can ________________________ you from being
yourself and reaching your potential.
7. Today, women are still the minority in parliament, _____________________ roles and career
fields like science and engineering, as well as making less money than men on average.
8. Everyone benefits when we are all treated ______________________________ .
Discussion
1. How is International Women’s Day celebrated in your country?
2. Do you usually do anything special to celebrate International Women’s Day?
3. Have you ever done anything special to celebrate International Women’s Day?
4. Which women are important in your life? How would you describe them?
5. Have you ever admired another woman from the present or from the past? If so, why? What
have been her achievements?
6. What would you do, as a woman, to improve gender equality?
7. What should the government do to improve gender equality, in your opinion?
8. Are you doing anything special today to celebrate International Women’s Day?