International Women's Day

What Is International Women’s Day?

International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political accomplishments of women. Held annually on 8th March, it also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. The day serves as a significant event in the calendar for demonstrating solidarity with women’s rights movements and for raising awareness about the challenges women still face globally.

The observance of International Women’s Day varies widely across countries. In some nations, it is a public holiday, often combining aspects of celebration, appreciation for women, and advocacy for women’s rights. In others, it is primarily a day for protests, political discussions, and recognising women’s contributions to society.

Since its inception, IWD has been adopted by various political and social organisations around the world. The United Nations officially began celebrating IWD in 1977, transforming it into a global observance focused on addressing women’s issues and promoting gender equality as a fundamental human right.

History and Origins of International Women’s Day

The origins of International Women’s Day are rooted in the early 20th-century labour movements in North America and Europe. The first “National Woman’s Day” was observed in the United States on 28th February 1909, organised by the Socialist Party of America in honour of the 1908 garment workers’ strike in New York, where women protested against harsh working conditions.

In 1910, at the second International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen, Clara Zetkin, a German socialist and women’s rights advocate, proposed an “International Women’s Day.” She suggested that every year in every country, there should be a celebration on the same day to press for women’s demands. The proposal was unanimously approved by over 100 women from 17 countries, representing unions, socialist parties, and working women’s clubs, including the first three women elected to the Finnish Parliament.

The first International Women’s Day was celebrated on 19th March 1911, in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland, drawing over a million people to rallies. These early observances focused on demanding the right to vote, hold public office, work without discrimination, and end sex discrimination in employment. The date shifted to 8th March after a significant women’s strike in Petrograd (now St. Petersburg), Russia, in 1917, which is widely considered one of the catalysts for the Russian Revolution. Following this, the date was adopted by communist countries.

How International Women’s Day Is Celebrated

International Women’s Day is observed with a diverse range of activities, reflecting cultural contexts and the specific objectives of the day in different regions. The celebrations can range from political protests and educational conferences to festive gatherings and gift-giving.

Global Observances

Globally, IWD often involves advocacy for women’s rights, gender equality, and an end to discrimination. Numerous organisations, governmental bodies, and non-governmental organisations host conferences, seminars, and workshops to discuss progress, highlight ongoing challenges, and plan future actions. Marches and demonstrations are common in many cities, calling for political and economic change. Educational institutions often engage in programmes to raise awareness among younger generations about the importance of gender equality.

Eastern Europe and Central Asia

In many countries that were part of or influenced by the Soviet Union, such as Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, and Armenia, International Women’s Day is a prominent public holiday. Here, the day often combines its original political message with a celebration of women and motherhood, similar to Mother’s Day. It is customary for men to give flowers, chocolates, or other gifts to women, including mothers, wives, girlfriends, and colleagues. Family gatherings and special meals are also common, creating a festive atmosphere.

Africa

In countries like Angola, Burkina Faso, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, International Women’s Day is widely observed and is a public holiday. Celebrations often involve parades, cultural performances, and public discussions focusing on issues such as women’s empowerment, reproductive health, and combating gender-based violence. Women often wear special fabric or attire designed for the occasion, symbolising unity and strength. Political leaders frequently use the day to reaffirm commitments to gender equality initiatives.

Asia

China observes International Women’s Day, where many women are granted a half-day holiday by their employers. While some public events occur, the focus often leans towards recognising women’s contributions in the workplace and family. In other Asian countries where it might not be a public holiday, such as Colombia, events are often organised by women’s rights groups, trade unions, and civil society organisations, focusing on activism and raising public awareness through rallies and educational campaigns.

Western Europe

In Germany, International Women’s Day has seen a resurgence in its status as a public holiday, with Berlin recognising it since 2019 and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern following in 2023. Here, the observance typically aligns more with its historical roots as a day for political action, protest, and advocating for women’s suffrage and equal rights. Demonstrations and feminist gatherings are common, aiming to highlight gender pay gaps, workplace inequality, and violence against women.

When Is International Women’s Day?

International Women’s Day is observed annually on a fixed date: 8th March. This date has been consistently celebrated since its adoption by the Russian women’s movement in 1917 and its subsequent institutionalisation by socialist and communist states. The United Nations’ formal recognition of the day in 1977 further solidified 8th March as the global date for this observance. The day follows the Gregorian calendar system.

International Women’s Day Key Facts