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Patrick Blennerhassett

Today marks 100 years since the Socialist Party of America organised a Women’s Day, which first took place on February 28, 1909.
The event was held in New York and the 1910 International Socialist Woman’s Conference suggested an annual day be held.
Now in 2019, women’s rights have come a long way.
Hong Kong’s top rugby stars from all walks of life talked to South China Morning Post about what this day means to them.
Lindsay Varty, USRC Tigers player, national sevens member and author of Sunset Survivors: Meet the people keeping Hong Kong’s traditional industries alive

“International Women’s Day is all about celebrating how far women have come over the last 100 years. It’s the perfect reminder for all the rugby girls of Hong Kong to hold their heads high and proudly know that they have broken the mould. We have opposed the social stereotype of girls being ‘sweet and mild’ and redefined what it means to be a woman in today’s world, we can be anything we want! And we have chosen to be strong, fun-loving sportspeople, undeterred by anyone else’s opinion on how we should act.”
Karen So Hoi-ting, Hong Kong’s National Women’s 15-a-side captain and physician

“To me, International Women’s Day is not only an opportunity to recognise and to celebrate the major achievements we have made but also the impressive work my friends and colleagues have done every day. I hope more women won’t be afraid to strive for bigger and better or to ask for what they deserve. We cannot just sit back and wait.
“Socrates once said: ‘The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new’.
“I continue to hope to strive for this new society where my daughter or granddaughter won’t have as many obstacles to overcome because of their gender.”
Royce Chan Leong Sze, HKRU national performance coach and former player

“For me, International Women’s Day is all about equality, not just about women.”
Bella Milo, HKRU strength and conditioning coach and Societe Generale Valley player and coach

“It’s a day of remembrance for the women in the past who stood up for women’s rights and equality.
And it’s a day to celebrate what all women, mums, sisters, wives, partners, friends and families have done in the past and present to get us where we are today.”
Sam Feausi, head coach of the U20 Women’s Sevens team

“We have to recognise the efforts of women and champion each other. Women are underrepresented in a lot of areas, including sport, and bringing attention to that by promoting and highlighting key women through initiatives like International Women’s Day is crucial to changing the face of the game.”
Winnie Cheung Wing-yin, HKRU Inclusion & Participation Officer (Deaf Rugby)

“International Women’s Day is a focal point in the movement for women’s rights and the journey to give women an identity in society and politics. Sports and education also.
“I wish all women in the world can succeed in a fair and happy environment without discrimination, whatever their passion is.”

International Women's Day mantras.#IWD2019 pic.twitter.com/A9bEcJLPGL
— HKRU (@HongKongRugby) March 8, 2019




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Hong Kong China Rugby

International Women’s Day: Hong Kong female rugby stars share their thoughts on historic day

Lindsay Varty, a rugby player who is also a published author, talks about what International Women’s Day means to her. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Sam Feausi.

Spirit of Hong Kong Awards nominee: Interview with Winnie Cheung Wing-yin (deaf rugby player and promoter) at the South China Athletic Association in Causeway Bay. 16MAY18 SCMP / Jonathan Wong

Bella Milo.

Hong Kong captain Royce Chan wrestles for possession with Japan at the 2013 womens sevens.

Karen So Hoi-ting surges forward for Hong Kong against Fiji

Lindsay Varty (centre) of the Tigers plays during the Women's Rugby Premiership at King's Park in Jordan. Varty recently released a book which features interviews and photos about some of the city's traditional tradesmen and women. 06OCT18 SCMP / Jonathan Wong

Former windsurfer runs like the wind for Hong Kong rugby

Stephanie Chan, a former windsurfer, runs like the wind on the rugby pitch. Photo: Handout

Stephanie Chan.

Portrait of Stephanie Chan of the Hong Kong women's team for the Hong Kong Sevens at Lee Gardens One in Causeway Bay. 24MAR18 SCMP / Xiaomei Chen

From judo to athletics to rugby: how a Scot found her way to Hong Kong Football Club

Elizabeth Musgrove brings both a judo and track and field background to her rugby game. Photo: Xiaomei Chen

Elizabeth Musgrove (right), of Hong Kong Football Club (#13 in pink and blue) at a match against Plastic Free Seas City Sparkle in Happy Valley. 12JAN19 SCMP / Xiaomei Chen

Elizabeth Musgrove.

Sport

Rugby


Hong Kong’s most respected and decorated female rugby players talk about what today means to them
The earliest Women’s Day dates back to 1909 in New York



International Women's Day

International Women’s Day: Hong Kong female rugby stars share their thoughts on historic day

.css-1mniedq{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;} Hong Kong’s most respected and decorated female rugby players talk about what today means to them The earliest Women’s Day dates back to 1909 in New York

Lindsay Varty, USRC Tigers player, national sevens member and author of Sunset Survivors: Meet the people keeping Hong Kong’s traditional industries alive

Hong Kong’s most respected and decorated female rugby players talk about what today means to them

The earliest Women’s Day dates back to 1909 in New York