IWD Halifax was a mix of protest and celebration.

The evening included the mock trial of Stephen Harper for cuts his government has made to women’s and social programs and a short march to the Quinpool Road office of Status of Women Canada.

"We need to take a moment to protest the negative things that have gone on in terms of this government, and we also need to take time to really celebrate the talent and the achievements that women in our community and internationally have made," said organizer Fiona Talbot-Strong.

Dianne Crowell of Yarmouth has been celebrating International Women’s Day for about 25 years. But she said this year it was more important than ever to gather with others to recognize women’s struggles and "cause a bit of ruckus" about the cutbacks in women’s services.

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