What is the history of International Women's Day

What is the history of International Women's Day

International Women's Day, celebrated annually on March 8th, is a day to honor the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, as well as to advocate for gender equality and women's rights. It is also a day to acknowledge the ongoing struggles that women face in many parts of the world, and to highlight the need for continued efforts to improve the lives of women everywhere.

The history of International Women's Day dates back more than a century, to the early 1900s. At that time, women's rights and suffrage movements were gaining momentum in many parts of the world. In 1908, 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding better pay, shorter hours, and voting rights.

The following year, a group of women in the Socialist Party of America decided to create a national holiday to honor the achievements of working women. The first National Women's Day was celebrated in the United States on February 28th, 1909.

In 1910, the International Socialist Women's Conference, held in Copenhagen, Denmark, established International Women's Day as a global event. The conference delegates, including Clara Zetkin of Germany, proposed that every year, on the same day, women in every country should hold events and demonstrations to celebrate women's achievements and call for equal rights.

The first International Women's Day was celebrated on March 19th, 1911, with rallies and demonstrations held in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. More than one million women and men participated in events around the world, demanding women's right to vote, work, and hold public office.

In the years that followed, International Women's Day became an important day for women's movements and activism around the world. During World War I, for example, Russian women observed International Women's Day on the last Sunday in February, demanding an end to the war and food shortages.

In 1917, on International Women's Day, Russian women workers went on strike in protest against the war, demanding bread and peace. This strike marked the beginning of the Russian Revolution, and the day came to be known as International Women's Day in the Soviet Union.

International Women's Day continued to be celebrated in many countries throughout the 20th century, but it was not until 1975 that the United Nations officially recognized International Women's Day and called on member states to observe the day by promoting women's rights and gender equality.

Today, International Women's Day is celebrated in many countries around the world, with events, rallies, and marches held to highlight the ongoing struggle for women's rights and gender equality. Each year, the day is marked by a different theme, reflecting the most pressing issues facing women at that time.

In recent years, themes have included "Press for Progress" (2018), "Balance for Better" (2019), "Each for Equal" (2020), and "Choose to Challenge" (2021). The themes aim to raise awareness and encourage action on a wide range of issues, from violence against women to economic empowerment and political representation.

In conclusion, International Women's Day has a long and rich history, dating back more than a century. From its origins as a day to celebrate working women, it has grown into a global movement for women's rights and gender equality. Today, International Women's Day is an important day to celebrate the achievements of women, to advocate for change, and to work towards a world where women are truly equal.