Why the 8th March is the International Women's Day?
110 years ago, the 8th of March was definitively consecrated as International Women's Day. The date was officially recognized by the UN in 1975.
The story of International Women's Day (IWD) dates back to the early 20th century and is rooted in the struggles and achievements of women in their fight for equality, rights, and social justice. The day has become a global celebration of women's accomplishments and a reminder of the ongoing efforts to achieve gender equality worldwide.
The origins of International Women's Day can be traced back to various labor movements and women's rights movements in different countries:
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National Women's Day in the United States: The first precursor to International Women's Day was observed in the United States. On February 28, 1909, the Socialist Party of America designated this day as National Women's Day to honor the 1908 garment workers' strike in New York City, where women protested against poor working conditions and demanded better pay, shorter working hours, and voting rights. The day was observed with various events and gatherings to advocate for women's rights.
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Women's Day in Europe: In 1910, the second International Conference of Working Women was held in Copenhagen, Denmark. One of the key participants was a prominent German socialist and advocate for women's rights, Clara Zetkin. During this conference, Zetkin proposed the idea of an International Women's Day to promote women's rights and social equality across the world. The proposal received unanimous support from over 100 women representing 17 countries.
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First International Women's Day: The first official International Women's Day was celebrated on March 19, 1911. More than one million men and women in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland participated in rallies, protests, and gatherings to demand women's suffrage, better working conditions, and an end to discrimination.
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Shift to March 8th: In 1913, the date for International Women's Day was changed to March 8th, and it has been observed on this date ever since. The reason for the change is not entirely clear, but some sources suggest that March 8th was chosen to commemorate a strike by female textile workers in Petrograd (now St. Petersburg), Russia, which took place on this day in 1917. The strike was a significant event in the lead-up to the Russian Revolution and played a role in women gaining the right to vote in Russia.
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Recognition by the United Nations: International Women's Day was first officially recognized by the United Nations in 1975 during International Women's Year. Since then, it has become an important annual event to celebrate women's achievements, raise awareness about gender equality issues, and advocate for women's rights worldwide.
Today, International Women's Day is celebrated in many countries around the world, with various events, rallies, conferences, and campaigns focusing on gender equality, women's empowerment, and social progress. The day continues to serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by women and the need for continued efforts to achieve gender parity and create a more inclusive and equitable society.
