Every year on March 8, the world comes together to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD)—a day dedicated to honouring the achievements of women and advocating for gender equality. But where did it all begin, and why is it so important?
A Brief History of International Women’s Day
The roots of IWD trace back to the early 20th century, during a time of rapid industrialisation and social change. Women were fighting for better working conditions, fair wages, and,
most importantly, the right to vote. Here's how it all unfolded:
1908: The First Sparks
In New York City, 15,000 women marched through the streets, demanding shorter working hours, better pay, and voting rights. Their voices sparked a movement that would grow into a global force for change.
1909: The First Women’s Day in the U.S.
The Socialist Party of America declared February 28 as the first National Women’s Day, marking a significant step toward international recognition.
1910: The Global Push
At the International Socialist Women’s Conference in Copenhagen, Clara Zetkin, a German activist, proposed the idea of an annual international day dedicated to women’s rights. Her idea gained unanimous support.
1911: The First International Women’s Day
The first official International Women’s Day was celebrated on March 19 in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. More than a million people rallied for women’s rights, including suffrage and workplace protections.
1913-1914: March 8 Becomes the Date
To create a unified annual event, March 8 was officially chosen as the date for International Women’s Day, which has remained ever since.
1917: The Russian Revolution & Women’s Day
In Russia, women played a crucial role in political activism. On March 8, 1917, female textile workers led a strike that helped spark the Russian Revolution. Shortly after, Russian women were granted the right to vote.
Why Was International Women’s Day Created?
International Women’s Day was born out of a need to:
Fight for gender equality – Women faced severe discrimination in the workplace and society.
Push for women’s rights – Including the right to vote, better wages, and improved working conditions.
Unite women globally – To create a collective movement for social, economic, and political change.
Raise awareness – About ongoing issues such as pay disparity, workplace harassment, and underrepresentation in leadership roles.
International Women’s Day Today
IWD has evolved into a global celebration of women’s achievements across all sectors—business, politics, sports, arts, and beyond. While significant progress has been made, challenges still remain. Women continue to face barriers in leadership, gender pay gaps, and inequality in many parts of the world.
Each year, IWD adopts a theme to highlight key issues and drive action. Whether it’s #EmbraceEquity, #BreakTheBias, or #ChooseToChallenge, the goal is always to move toward a more inclusive and equal world.
Final Thoughts
International Women’s Day isn’t just about looking back at history—it’s about recognizing how far we’ve come and how much work still needs to be done. Whether you attend a rally, support women-owned businesses, or simply take a moment to appreciate the incredible women in your life, March 8 is a day to stand in solidarity and take action.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you? Let’s keep the conversation going! Drop a comment below or share this with someone who should know the history behind the movement. 💜✨
What is this year's theme for International Women's Day?