International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated annually on March 8th to honour the achievements of women and to advocate for gender equality and women’s rights. The history of International Women’s Day dates back to the early 20th century and is rooted in the global struggle for women’s rights and social justice. Here’s a brief overview of its history:
Early Beginnings: The origins of International Women’s Day can be traced back to the labour and socialist movements in the early 20th century. The first National Woman’s Day was observed in the United States on February 28, 1909, organized by the Socialist Party of America to demand better working conditions, suffrage, and women’s rights.
1910 International Women’s Conference: In 1910, at the second International Conference of Working Women held in Copenhagen, Denmark, Clara Zetkin, a German socialist and women’s rights activist, proposed the idea of establishing an annual International Women’s Day. The conference attendees, representing various socialist and labour organizations from around the world, unanimously approved the proposal.
First International Women’s Day: The first International Women’s Day was observed on March 19, 1911, in several countries across Europe, including Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. It was marked by rallies, demonstrations, and gatherings to advocate for women’s suffrage, labour rights, and social equality.
Shift to March 8th: In 1913, International Women’s Day was moved to March 8th, where it has been celebrated ever since. This date was chosen to commemorate a strike by women textile workers in Petrograd (now Saint Petersburg), Russia, on March 8, 1917, which marked the beginning of the Russian Revolution. The strike played a significant role in the eventual overthrow of the Tsarist regime and the establishment of women’s suffrage in Russia.
Global Expansion: International Women’s Day continued to gain momentum and spread globally throughout the 20th century, becoming a rallying point for women’s rights activists, feminists, and social justice movements around the world. It provided a platform to raise awareness about gender inequality, discrimination, violence against women, and other pressing issues affecting women’s lives.
UN Recognition: In 1975, the United Nations officially recognized International Women’s Day and began observing it as a global event. The UN theme for International Women’s Day varies each year, focusing on different aspects of women’s empowerment, gender equality, and human rights.
Today, International Women’s Day is celebrated in countries worldwide with various events, activities, and initiatives aimed at raising awareness, advocating for gender equality, and honouring the achievements and contributions of women to society. It continues to serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for women’s rights and the importance of collective action to create a more equitable and inclusive world for all genders.
