Mao was 35 and was a hard-working woman in a Chinese soap factory in Sanghai when, in 1988, she found out that she was pregnant. Already the mother of twins, having another baby was against Chinese one child per family law. She refused to have a state-imposed abortion and was put into a psyciatric hospital as a result.

Le Tigre’s anthem is a litany of 57 amazing feminists, queers, pioneers and genderfeckers. Today on International Women’s Day, I ask you this: Who from Irish society is your Hot Irish Topic?

There is a plethora of events happening around Ireland to mark the centenary of International Women’s Day. Check out some of the listings here – and tell us in the comments what we’ve missed!

From International Women’s Day to Hug A Lesbian Day… Some highlights of what’s on in the month of March. Let me know in the comments what I’ve missed!

IWD raises awareness around the real experiences of women in the world. It highlights achievements, but also the oppression of half the human population, for reasons solely of their gender. Feminism, based on the fundamental principles of equality, solidarity and human rights is needed for the benefit of all in society.

Ah, feminism. A term that’s widely abused and mis-represented, when it’s simply The Radical Notion That Women Are People, Too. And then there’s today, International Women’s Day. Another term that’s widely abused and mis-represented, amid cries of, “Why isn’t there an International Men’s Day?!” and “Women have equality – why do we need IWD?” And, finally, there are women. Who are widely abused and mis-represented. Which is why feminism and IWD are so important.