2011 marks the 100th anniversary of Women’s Day. It evolved around the time of World War I in Europe when women were starting to fight for gender equality and their right to vote. In 1975, March 8 was officially acknowledged as International Women’s Day by the United Nations. This year’s UN theme: “Equal access to education, training and science and technology: Pathway to decent work for women”.

Organisations worldwide are celebrating the day by raising awareness of the fact that gender equality is still not achieved in many countries of the world, and girls and women often remain the most vulnerable parts of society.

Across the streetfootballworld network, member organisations are using football to empower girls and women. Both on and off the pitch, girls and boys alike learn about gender equality, respect and social inclusion, and girls and women are given the opportunity to participate actively and enjoy equal access to education.

In the different sections of this special you can explore informative and emotional stories from the network, watch videos about the network members’ work and learn more about how football can serve as a tool for education, participation and equal opportunities not only for women in particular, but also for boys and young men to challenge existing discriminating structures and prejudices in different societies.