A special fair was held in Chicago Monday to mark the centenary of the International Women's Day, with participation from various walks of life.

Sponsoring and joining this year's fair were members of the International Trade Club of Chicago, the International Visitors Club of Chicago, the Union League Club, Today's Global Women, Inc., Women in Management Inc., Professional Women's Club in Chicago, Women's Equal Rights Amendment, and the American Association of University Women-Illinois.

Maryn McKenna, an independent journalist and author who specializes in public health, was the key speaker at this year's Women's Day fair, with a presentation on women's key role in epidemic prevention and protection.

Chicago was the place where women first rose to demand equal rights.

On March 8, 1909, various women societies held a joint demonstration in the American city to demand equal treatment. A year later, a resolution was passed in Copenhagen of Denmark to designate the day as the "International Women's Day", in memory of the Chicago demonstration.

The day has since been observed annually at the United Nations and in many countries to remember and celebrate the struggle and strife by women worldwide for equality, justice, peace and development.