It's been 100 years since the first International Women's Day was observed in 1911.

Since then, people around the world have taken to the streets in March to demand women's right to work, earn equal pay, vote, hold public office, and be free from violence and discrimination.

People in Vancouver will mark the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day with a march and parade today (March 5).

They'll gather in McSpadden Park (Victoria Drive at East 5th Avenue) at 12:30 p.m.

The parade will head west on East 3rd Avenue, north on Commercial Drive, and east on Adanac Street to Salsbury Park.

Between 2 and 4:30 p.m., the indoor festival will take place at the WISE Hall (1828 Adanac Street).

It will feature entertainment, a marketplace, food vendors, and a kids' zone.

International Women's Day itself—a national holiday in several countries, but not Canada—is celebrated every year on March 8.

You can follow Stephen Hui on Twitter at twitter.com/stephenhui.