Brief History

International Women’s Day has roots in the early 20th century labor movements and women’s rights activism. The first International Women's Day was observed on March 19, 1911, in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland, with more than a million women and men attending rallies demanding women's rights, including the right to vote and hold public office. The date of March 8th was established as International Women’s Day in 1921 by the International Women’s Conference. In 1977, the United Nations officially recognized March 8th as International Women’s Day, marking it as a day to celebrate women’s achievements and continue advocating for gender equality.

How It’s Celebrated

International Women’s Day is celebrated through various activities and events. These often include rallies, marches, and conferences aimed at raising awareness about gender issues and advocating for women’s rights. Organizations, schools, and businesses might host educational workshops, panel discussions, and cultural performances. Social media campaigns highlight stories of inspirational women, and there is a widespread emphasis on promoting gender equality and challenging gender stereotypes. The day serves as both a celebration and a call to action for ongoing efforts to improve gender equity.

International Women’s Day

Interesting Facts

• The theme for International Women’s Day varies each year, focusing on different aspects of women’s rights and gender equality. Themes have included topics like “Choose to Challenge” and “Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow.”
• International Women’s Day is recognized as a national holiday in some countries, including Russia, China, and Vietnam.
• The color purple is often associated with International Women’s Day, symbolizing justice and dignity, as well as the suffragette movement in the early 20th century.
• The day has been marked by numerous landmark achievements, such as the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to women like Malala Yousafzai for their efforts in advocating for girls' education.
• International Women’s Day has been endorsed by various global leaders and organizations, including the United Nations, which uses the day to launch initiatives and campaigns focused on women's rights.