WHO: NOW President Patricia Ireland, state and local NOW leaders and representatives of other women's rights, civil rights and activist organizations

WHAT: Will celebrate International Women's Day at a press conference and hold a strategy session for NOW's April 14 March to Fight the Right

WHEN: Friday, March 8, 1996, at 2 p.m.

WHERE: In San Francisco at the Women's Building, 3543 18th St., between Valencia and Guerrero Streets.

WHY: March 8th has become a special day recognizing the vast contributions women have made and continue to make to our history. The first International Women's Day was observed 88 years ago, when women with the Garment Workers Union in New York City took to the streets to protest deplorable working conditions and unacceptably low wages. This year women will recommit themselves to preserving the gains they've made and reaching new goals.

 "On Friday we will join millions of our sisters around the world in paying tribute to the women who have sacrificed so much -- even their lives -- in our struggle for full equality," Ireland said. "And on April 14, we'll carry on the tradition of public protest and take to the streets of San Francisco to fight the economic, political and physical attacks by the right wing that threaten our gains and impede our progress.

 "Hundreds of diverse groups have endorsed the March to Fight the Right, and we will stand together to fight those who mean to divide and conquer us by attacking affirmative action and promoting racist, hate-fueled politics."