International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global event celebrated annually on March 8th to honor the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It also serves as a call to action for accelerating gender equality worldwide.
Quick Facts
- When is it? March 8th every year.
- Tagged as: A day for celebrating women’s achievements and advocating for gender equality.
- What’s the hashtag? #IWD or #InternationalWomensDay.
- When was it founded? The first official celebration was in 1911.
- Who founded it? Clara Zetkin, a German activist, proposed the idea in 1910.
History of International Women’s Day
The roots of IWD trace back to the early 1900s during a period of social unrest and activism. In 1908, 15,000 women marched in New York City demanding better pay, shorter working hours, and voting rights. The first National Woman’s Day was observed in the U.S. in 1909. Clara Zetkin proposed making it an international event at the 1910 International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen. The first International Women’s Day was celebrated in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland on March 19, 1911. By 1913, March 8th became the official date.
Timeline
- 1909: First National Woman’s Day observed in the U.S.
- 1910: Clara Zetkin proposes International Women’s Day.
- 1911: First IWD celebrated in four European countries.
- 1917: Russian women strike for “bread and peace,” leading to IWD becoming an official holiday.
- 1975: United Nations begins officially celebrating IWD.
- 1996: UN introduces annual themes for IWD.
Upcoming Dates
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | March 8 | Saturday |
| 2026 | March 8 | Sunday |
| 2027 | March 8 | Monday |
| 2028 | March 8 | Wednesday |
| 2029 | March 8 | Thursday |
| 2030 | March 8 | Friday |
Observed
International Women’s Day is observed globally through rallies, conferences, performances, and campaigns advocating for gender equality. Countries like Russia and China even recognize it as an official holiday.
Fun Facts About International Women’s Day
- The UN began celebrating IWD during International Women’s Year in 1975.
- Purple is the official color symbolizing justice and dignity for women.
- In some countries like Italy, men give yellow mimosas to women as a tradition.
Quiz
- When was the first International Women’s Day celebrated?
(Answer: 1911) - Who proposed International Women’s Day?
(Answer: Clara Zetkin) - What is the official date for IWD?
(Answer: March 8th)
FAQs
Q: Why is International Women’s Day important?
A: It highlights women’s achievements while advocating for gender equality and addressing barriers that persist globally.
Q: Is IWD a public holiday?
A: It is a public holiday in some countries like Russia and Vietnam but not universally.
Q: What is the theme for IWD in recent years?
A: Themes vary annually; recent ones have included #BreakTheBias and #ChooseToChallenge.
Importance of International Women’s Day
IWD reminds us of the progress made toward gender equality while emphasizing how much work remains. It celebrates women who have shaped history and inspires future generations to continue striving for equity.
Related Topics
- Women’s Suffrage Movement
- Gender Equality Campaigns
- Feminist Icons Throughout History