Chiang mai... international women's day

International Women's Day yesterday was a fantastic day in Chiang Mai.

We met at the 3 kings monument, I joined in the march with the One Billion Rising girls, holding our banner. We marched all the way to the park where the main event went on. Everyone along the way was watching, taking photos, listening to our chants. So it was great for raising awareness.

The stage was set up and stalls all around promoting different organisations in Chiang Mai, including those helping Indigenous and Burmese women to achieve equal rights in Thailand; those helping children who have been victims of human trafficking; and those helping people rebuild lives through education and helping them get into work.

The programme included a fashion show portraying the diversity of women from different parts of the world, traditions, disabilities and even gender- the ladyboy prancing along at the end was getting a lot of laughs. The groups showcased dancing and singing on the stage, live music, ladies in traditional dress dancing, a favourite was the group of 5 boys who sang and danced it was beautiful.

Right at the end we did our One Billion Rising dance 'Break the Chain' everyone got involved with the dance, even though most didn't know the steps. They all loved it, and shouted to do it again! It was such a great moment.

I love that International Women's Day happens and that we get to talk about the issues and celebrate the diversity of women.

I have watched the Q+A by Emma Watson on Facebook talking about HeForShe on International Women's Day. I absolutely recommend watching it: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/emma-watson-holds-live-q-779992?facebook_20150308