Women’s Day Holidays Intermediate Level Women’s Day Lesson Plan Copyright 2013, Red River Press Inc For use by members of ESL-library.com in accordance with membership terms Women’s Day Holidays International Women’s Day Reading Every year on March 8th, International Women’s Day is celebrated by millions of women throughout the world This day provides the opportunity to remember the struggles of women throughout history as well as the achievements they have made Marches, demonstrations, concerts, films, and conferences take place to recognize the progress women have made in obtaining equality and also to assess the problems that many women around the world still face today International Women’s Day originated at an international congress in 1910 in Copenhagen, Denmark Women from 17 different countries attended the congress At that congress, a woman from Germany named Clara Zetkin suggested setting aside a day each year that would be dedicated to fighting for equal rights for women all over the world Zetkin proposed March 8th as this day because this was the anniversary of the first protest march against the terrible working conditions of textile and garment workers in New York City in 1857 At that time, many of the garment workers lived in crowded tenement houses and worked in firetrap sweatshops for very long hours and very low wages These conditions pushed many women to begin to fight for their political rights, the right to vote, and improved working conditions Their enthusiasm gave life to the entire movement for women’s rights When Clara Zetkin first suggested making an International Women’s Day, there were already signs of the outbreak of World War I For that reason, she called on women everywhere to link their fight for equal rights with a fight to preserve international peace Since that time, women’s concerns have grown broader and more varied From the principal demands for better working conditions and the right to vote, the focus has now turned to issues such as equal pay for equal work, equal opportunities for education and training, improved day care and health services, global disarmament, and the elimination of poverty, discrimination, and violence against women In 1977, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution inviting every country to proclaim March 8th a United Nations Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace Since then, March 8th has grown to become a truly international celebration While International Women’s Day is now celebrated in nearly every country of the world, the form and content of the celebration varies from country to country In some countries, it is celebrated as an official national holiday and is used to show respect for the role played by women in society as mothers, workers, and citizens In some places, this day is observed much like Mother’s Day, with women receiving gifts and flowers As well as being a day to recognize the progress women have made in their struggle for equal rights and world peace, many people use this day as an opportunity to raise awareness and money for disadvantaged women around the world While a great deal has already been accomplished, there is still much to Copyright 2013, Red River Press Inc For use by members of ESL-library.com in accordance with membership terms Women’s Day Holidays Reading Comprehension Practice asking and answering the following questions with your partner Then write the answers in the spaces below What people remember on International Women’s Day? _ What types of events take place on this day? _ Where did International Women’s Day originate? _ Why did Clara Zetkin choose March 8th as the date for International Women’s Day? _ What was life like for the New York garment workers in the mid-19th century? _ How did International Women’s Day become associated with the fight to preserve world peace? _ What types of issues does International Women’s Day focus on now? _ What role did the United Nations play in making International Women’s Day a truly international celebration? _ How is International Women’s Day similar to Mother’s Day in some countries? _ 10.How are disadvantaged women throughout the world helped by this special day? _ Copyright 2013, Red River Press Inc For use by members of ESL-library.com in accordance with membership terms Women’s Day Holidays Vocabulary Review A Match the words on the left with the correct meanings on the right _ struggle a material, cloth _ achievement b money earned from work _ progress c ending, getting rid of, having no more _ originate d different _ anniversary e fight _ textile f start (of a war, fire, etc.) _ garment g ending the use of weapons (guns, bombs, etc.) _ wages h success _ link i piece of clothing _ 10 varied j come from, have as a beginning _ 11 elimination k around the world _ 12 poverty l moving forward, improving, getting better _ 13 violence m state of being poor _ 14 disarmament n yearly return of the date of an event _ 15 global o great physical force _ 16 outbreak p join together Copyright 2013, Red River Press Inc For use by members of ESL-library.com in accordance with membership terms Women’s Day Holidays Vocabulary Review B Choose the words closest in meaning to the underlined words in the following sentences March 8th is a day that is dedicated to the fight for equal rights for women everywhere a) described b) demanded c) set apart for a definite purpose March 8th was the date of the first protest march against terrible working conditions a) meeting b) demonstration to show objection or opposition c) discussion Many of the garment workers lived in crowded tenement houses a) tents b) cabins c) large houses used by many families They worked in firetrap sweatshops for very long hours and very low wages a) sweater factories b) clothing stores c) factories with terrible working conditions Their principal demands were better working conditions and the right to vote a) demonstrations b) what they wanted most c) meetings Their enthusiasm gave life to the entire movement for women’s rights a) strike b) strong interest and excitement c) conference The focus now is on issues such as the elimination of poverty and discrimination a) attention b) camera c) money One of the important issues is the elimination of discrimination against women a) crime b) unfair treatment c) fighting March 8th is a day to raise awareness of the problems facing many women today a) make money for b) make people know and think about c) have a protest 10 March 8th is a day to raise money for disadvantaged women around the world a) being in a bad situation b) not working c) being far away Copyright 2013, Red River Press Inc For use by members of ESL-library.com in accordance with membership terms Women’s Day Holidays Pair Work – Sharing Information – Student A You and your partner each have some different facts and figures about women around the world Read your information and then work with your partner to complete the questions on the following page Facts and Figures Women’s Leadership Roles, Voting Rights, and Economic Positions Did You Know ? In 1893, New Zealand became the first country to grant equal voting rights to women In 2006, out of 180 countries, only 11 had elected women as heads of state or government These 11 countries were included Chile, New Zealand, Mozambique, Finland, Liberia, Ireland, Philippines, Germany, South Korea, Jamaica, and Latvia In 2006, three countries had female governor generals: Canada, the Bahamas, and St Lucia Around the world, there are more women in decision-making positions in local governments than in national governments Switzerland did not grant full voting rights to women until 1971 In the 21st century, some countries still not have full voting rights for women Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates are two of these countries In 2006, Rwanda had the highest proportion of women parliamentarians in the world, with its National Assembly comprised of 48.8% women In over 60 of the world’s states, women’s income is 50% lower than men’s income 70% of people in extreme poverty—living on less than $1 per day—are women Copyright 2013, Red River Press Inc For use by members of ESL-library.com in accordance with membership terms Women’s Day Holidays Pair Work – Sharing Information – Student B You and your partner each have some different facts and figures about women around the world Read your information and then work with your partner to complete the questions on the following page Facts and Figures Women’s Leadership Roles, Voting Rights, and Economic Positions Did You Know ? Women in the United States received full voting rights in 1920, and in the United Kingdom in 1928 In 2006, only five countries had female vice presidents These included Costa Rica, Taiwan, Zimbabwe, Gambia, and El Salvador In 2006, only 16.1% of members of national parliaments worldwide were women In 1995, Sweden became the first country to have an equal number of women and men in ministerial positions In 2005, Kuwait gave women full voting rights In 2006, there were 39 women ambassadors to the United Nations In the United Nations system, women make up 37.1% of all professional staff, but only 16% of the most senior policy-making positions Women make up 39% of salaried positions around the world, but women’s participation in high levels of economic decision-making remains low throughout the world In the United States, women hold 50.3% of all management and professional positions, but only 7.9% of Fortune 500 top earners and 1.4% of Fortune 500 CEOs (chief executive officers) are women Copyright 2013, Red River Press Inc For use by members of ESL-library.com in accordance with membership terms Women’s Day Holidays Pair Work – Question Sheet Question sheet from information on previous page – You and your partner each have some facts and figures about women’s voting rights, leadership roles, and economic positions Work together to complete the following questions Which country became the first to grant women equal voting rights? When did this event occur? _ Worldwide, women hold more government positions at the local or national level? In 2006, what was the percentage of women in parliaments worldwide? Which country granted women full voting rights first, the US or the United Kingdom? Name 11 countries that had elected female heads of state or government in 2006 When did women get full voting rights in Switzerland? _ What percentage of management and professional positions women hold in the United States? _ How many countries had female vice presidents in 2006? _ 10 Which country was the first to have an equal number of women and men in ministerial positions? _ 11 What percentage of senior policy-making positions in the United Nations women hold? _ 12 What does CEO mean? 13 What percentage of US Fortune 500 (top companies) have female CEOs? 14 When did women in Kuwait get full voting rights? 15 How many female ambassadors to the United Nations were there in 2006? _ Copyright 2013, Red River Press Inc For use by members of ESL-library.com in accordance with membership terms Women’s Day Holidays Vocabulary, Idioms, and Expressions be on the same footing or be on an equal footing – (idiom) – to be equal or have an equal status or position ex Women have fought a hard struggle to be on an equal footing with men suffrage – (noun) – the right to vote ex In 1893, New Zealand became the first country to grant suffrage to all women suffragette – (noun) – a woman who fought for women’s voting rights ex In the early 1900s, many suffragettes were put in prison for their actions in trying to win the right to vote girl Friday – (idiom) – a female employee who does a variety of low-level office jobs ex Ask Mary to mail those letters She is the girl Friday in our office glass ceiling – (idiom) – barrier or obstacle that prevents women from moving up in the professional or business world ex Even though Jennifer has excellent skills, she never moves any higher in her company She can’t break the glass ceiling to make a living – (idiom) – earn money to live, support oneself ex She can’t make a living in that job The wages are too low breadwinner – (idiom) – the person who makes the living in the family or the one who supports the family ex She has been the main breadwinner ever since her husband lost his job last year affirmative action – (expression) – a program that requires a certain number of people from a minority group to be hired ex Because of the government’s policy on affirmative action, the university must hire a woman for that position to get one’s foot in the door – (idiom) – to get a chance to advance or move forward ex Affirmative action policies helped many women get a foot in the door of the business world 10 to be in charge of – (idiom) – to be the top person or the one in control ex Amy has a lot of responsibilities at work She is in charge of her department Copyright 2013, Red River Press Inc For use by members of ESL-library.com in accordance with membership terms Women’s Day Holidays 11 to climb the corporate ladder – (idiom) – move up in the business world ex She has climbed the corporate ladder very quickly and is now CEO of her company 12 gender – (noun) – sex, class (male or female) ex Many application forms ask you to state your gender 13 feminine – (adjective) – of or like women, opposite of masculine ex They wanted their new baby girl’s room to look very feminine, so they painted it pink 14 feminist – (noun) – someone who fights for women’s rights ex The hard work of feminists has helped to improve the lives of many women around the world 15 gender discrimination – (expression) – unfair treatment because of one’s gender ex Women are still working hard to end gender discrimination around the world Vocabulary, Idioms, and Expressions Practice Write your own sentences using the vocabulary and idioms from this and the previous page Copyright 2013, Red River Press Inc For use by members of ESL-library.com in accordance with membership terms 10 Women’s Day Holidays Teachers’ Notes / Answer Key These activities are designed for intermediate-level adult ESL learners, but they may also be suitable for junior and senior high school ESL students Reading Comprehension People remember the struggles and achievements of women throughout history Events such as marches, demonstrations, concerts, films, and conferences take place International Women’s Day originated at an international congress in 1910 in Copenhagen, Denmark Zetkin chose March 8th as this day because it was the anniversary of the first protest march against the terrible working conditions of textile and garment workers in New York City in 1857 Many of the garment workers lived in crowded tenement houses and worked in firetrap sweatshops for very long hours and very low wages International Women’s Day was being established at the same time that the first World War was about to begin International Women’s Day now focuses on issues such as equal pay for equal work, equal opportunities for education and training, improved day care and health services, global disarmament, and the elimination of poverty, discrimination, and violence against women In 1977, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution inviting every country to proclaim March 8th a United Nations Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace It is similar to Mother’s Day in some countries as some women are given flowers and gifts 10 They are helped by those who use this day as an opportunity to raise awareness and money for disadvantaged women around the world Vocabulary Review A Match the words e h l j n a i b p 10 d B Choose the words c b c c b b a b b 10 a 11 c 12 m 13 o 14 g 15 k 16 f Pair Work - Question Sheet New Zealand 1893 at the local level 16.1% the US Chile, New Zealand, Mozambique, Finland, Liberia, Ireland, Philippines, Germany, South Korea, Jamaica, and Latvia 1971 50.3% 10 Sweden 11 16% 12 chief executive officer 13 1.4% 14 2005 15 39 Vocabulary, Idioms, and Expressions Practice Answers will vary Copyright 2013, Red River Press Inc For use by members of ESL-library.com in accordance with membership terms 11 [...].. .Women s Day Holidays Teachers’ Notes / Answer Key These activities are designed for intermediate-level adult ESL learners, but they may also be suitable for junior and senior high school ESL students Reading Comprehension 1 2 3 4 People remember the struggles and achievements of women throughout history Events such as marches, demonstrations, concerts, films, and conferences take place... In 1977, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution inviting every country to proclaim March 8th a United Nations Day for Women s Rights and International Peace 9 It is similar to Mother s Day in some countries as some women are given flowers and gifts 10 They are helped by those who use this day as an opportunity to raise awareness and money for disadvantaged women around the world Vocabulary... and very low wages 6 International Women s Day was being established at the same time that the first World War was about to begin 7 International Women s Day now focuses on issues such as equal pay for equal work, equal opportunities for education and training, improved day care and health services, global disarmament, and the elimination of poverty, discrimination, and violence against women 8 In 1977,... International Women s Day originated at an international congress in 1910 in Copenhagen, Denmark Zetkin chose March 8th as this day because it was the anniversary of the first protest march against the terrible working conditions of textile and garment workers in New York City in 1857 5 Many of the garment workers lived in crowded tenement houses and worked in firetrap sweatshops for very long hours and very... Korea, Jamaica, and Latvia 7 1971 8 50.3% 9 5 10 Sweden 11 16% 12 chief executive officer 13 1.4% 14 2005 15 39 Vocabulary, Idioms, and Expressions Practice Answers will vary Copyright 2013, Red River Press Inc For use by members of ESL-library.com in accordance with membership terms 11 ... Review A Match the words 1 e 2 h 3 l 4 j 5 n 6 a 7 i 8 b 9 p 10 d B Choose the words 1 c 2 b 3 c 4 c 5 b 6 b 7 a 8 b 9 b 10 a 11 c 12 m 13 o 14 g 15 k 16 f Pair Work - Question Sheet 1 2 3 4 5 6 New Zealand 1893 at the local level 16.1% the US Chile, New Zealand, Mozambique, Finland, Liberia, Ireland, Philippines, Germany, South Korea, Jamaica, and Latvia 7 1971 8 50.3% 9 5 10 Sweden 11 16% 12 chief