[Photo: themoderngladiator.com]

Notice anything different today? Like a large number of women who are absent from the office? 

Well, today, Wednesday, March 8th, is “International Women’s Day. “ Organizers of the Women's March on Washington, which was held January 21st, have planned a showing of economic solidarity through walkouts, rallies and marches dubbed “A Day Without a Woman.”

Here's what you need to know:

What is International Women's Day?    International Women's Day, March 8, is a day meant to tout the social, economic, cultural and political successes of women while urging more gender equality. The first women's day was in 1909 (but in February) when 15,000 women marched through the streets of New York demanding improved pay, shorter hours and voting rights.

What is the International Women's Strike?    The strike is planned and organized by women in more than 50 countries to promote issues facing women who are marginalized. Among them: gender violence, reproductive freedom, labor rights, environmental protections

What is A Day Without a Woman?    The organizers behind January's March on Washington are using Wednesday as a day of action to spotlight the economic power and value of women and their contributions to society in paid and unpaid labor. Organizers hope to call attention to economic injustices women face such as lower wages, gender discrimination, sexual harassment and job insecurities. The day is also intended to push for gender justice, recognizing that trans and gender non-conforming people face equally compelling issues of discrimination and marginalization.

Are the Women's Strike and A Day Without a Woman the same thing?     Organizers of the January Women's march and A Day Without a Woman are working in solidarity with activists behind the International Women's Strike.

How can you participate?    Women are encouraged to not work, whether your job is paid or unpaid.

• Women are being asked to avoid shopping in stores and online — except for local small businesses and women-owned companies that support A Day Without a Woman.
• Women are urged to wear the color red, which represents "revolutionary love and sacrifice." Red also has a history with the labor movement.

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