Google doodles for a cause on Women's Day

New Delhi: Google celebrated the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day with a doodle that invited its users to join tens of thousands people on bridges all over the world to show support for women's causes.

The doodle on the Google homepage links to its International Women's Day 2011 site that the search giant has set up in collaboration with the Women for Women International on their 'Join me on the Bridge' campaign.

Originally conceived of by women from Rwanda and Congo as a sign of solidarity between women in two conflict-ridden countries, last year's campaign brought together thousands of women and men at more than 100 bridge events on four continents.

This year Google asked users to check their map to see all the events that have already been planned or use their event toolkit to plan their own event on the bridge of their choice.

There are two kinds of events - physical and online; if they are not able to attend a bridge event in person on March 8, users can lend support online by virtually attending an event via Street View in Google Maps.

The Event Toolkit includes assets that users can take with them to the event such as hand held banners or use to promote it such as online banners or posters.

From the Millennium Bridge in London, the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City, the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, to the Grand Barriere Bridge joining Rwanda and Congo -- Google asked users to show support for women's causes and celebrate women's achievements.

Claire Hughes Johnson, VP, Global Online Sales and Chair, Google Women’s Professional Community, wrote on the Google blog: "Despite the incredible advances women have made in the last century, many around the world are still struggling to provide for their families and keep them safe amidst violence and instability."

"Women for Women International, an organization dedicated to helping women survivors of war rebuild their lives. Every time I receive a letter from a woman I sponsor, each of whom is determined to improve her life despite the terrible odds she faces, I'm reminded of why it's so important that we all - women and men alike - recognize the challenges women continue to face around the world. That's why I'm so excited to celebrate the centenary of International Women's Day on March 8, 2011."