International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day is a global celebration of women and their achievements focused on improving women’s lives and increasing gender equality between men and women.

The public recognition of the need for change began in New York on March 8, 1857, when female textile workers marched in protest of unfair working conditions and unequal rights for women. It was one of the first organized strikes by working women, during which they called for a shorter workday and decent wages.

In 1910, German activist Clara Zetkin while at a conference in Copenhagen with more than 100 women from 17 different countries, proposed that every year, in every country, there should be a celebration on the same day that pressed women’s demands for equality. Zetkin’s proposal was met with unanimous approval-- and thus International Women’s Day as we know it today was established.  

In 1911, International Women’s Day was honored for the first time on March 19 in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. Over 1 million men and women marched in solidarity to bring attention to the demands of women: equal pay, equal conditions, the right to vote, the right to hold public office, and to end discrimination. Just days following this march, the tragic ‘Triangle Fire’ in New York City erupted and took more than 140 lives of working women. This tragedy drew significant attention to the working conditions in the United States. 

On March 8, 1975, the UN celebrated its first official International Women’s Day.

The year 2011 marked the 100-year anniversary of International Women’s Day. President Barack Obama proclaimed March to be “Women’s History Month,” calling on Americans to reflect on “the extraordinary accomplishments of women.”

International Women’s Day is arguably one of the most important days of the year to celebrate women’s achievements. This marked day should be celebrated by all. Supporting women for advancing equality is welcomed and should be respected.

Gloria Steinem, world-renowned feminist, once explained “The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist, nor to any one organization, but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights.”

Each year the world inspires women and celebrates their achievements. International Women’s Day is an official holiday in many countries; Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, China, Cuba, Georgia, Guinea-Bissau, Eritrea, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Loa, Madagascar, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Nepal, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, and Zambia.  

Do your bit to ensure the future of girls is bright, equal, safe, and rewarding. We can all challenge gender stereotypes, call out discrimination, draw attention to bias, and seek out inclusion.

By Briana Dickey, Administrative Assistant