International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated annually on March 8th. The day has occurred for well over a century, with the first IWD gathering in 1911. The day is not country, group or organization specific – and belongs to all groups collectively everywhere.
Gloria Steinem, world-renowned feminist, journalist and activist 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.”
What is International Women’s Day?
International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.
No one government, NGO, charity, corporation, academic institution, women’s network or media hub is solely responsible for International Women’s Day. Many organizations declare an annual IWD theme that supports their specific agenda or cause, and some of these are adopted more widely with relevance than others. International Women’s Day is a collective day of global celebration and a call for gender parity.
International Women’s Day is all about unity, celebration, reflection, advocacy and action – whatever that looks like globally at a local level. But one thing is for sure, International Women’s Day has been occurring for well over a century – and continue’s to grow from strength to strength. Learn about the values that guide IWD’s ethos.
History of IWD?
International Women’s Day grew out of the labour movement to become a UN-recognised annual event.
The seeds of it were planted in 1908, when 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter working hours, better pay and the right to vote. It was the Socialist Party of America who declared the first National Woman’s Day, a year later.
The idea to make the day international came from a woman called Clara Zetkin. She suggested the idea in 1910 at an International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen. There were 100 women there, from 17 countries, and they agreed on her suggestion unanimously.
It was first celebrated in 1911, in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. The centenary was celebrated in 2011.
Things were made official in 1975 when the United Nations (UN) started celebrating the day and setting an annual theme. The first one (in 1996) was “Celebrating the past, Planning for the Future”. This year’s focuses on “”Think equal, build smart, innovate for change” – UN figures show that only half of working age women are represented in the labour force globally.
International Women’s Day has become a date to celebrate how far women have come in society, in politics and in economics, while the political roots of the day mean strikes and protests are organised to raise awareness of continued inequality.
Is there an International Men’s Day?
There is indeed, on 19 November. But it has only been marked since the 1990s and isn’t recognised by the UN. People celebrate it in more than 60 countries, including the UK. The objectives of the day are “to focus attention on men’s and boys’ health, improve gender relations, promote gender equality and highlight positive male role models”. The theme for 2018 was “Positive Male Role Models”.
How IWD celebrated?
International Women’s Day is a national holiday in many countries, including Russia where the sales of flowers doubles during the three or four days around 8 March.
In China, many women are given a half-day off work on 8 March, as advised by the State Council, although many employers don’t always pass the half day on to their female employees.
In Italy, International Women’s Day, or la Festa della Donna, is celebrated by the giving of mimosa blossom. The origin of this tradition is unclear but it is believed to have started in Rome after World War II.
In the US, the month of March is Women’s History Month. A presidential proclamation issued every year honours the achievements of American women.
There are many ways to celebrate IWD.
Way 1
- Learn the history of International Women’s Day.
- Learn about the achievements of women around the world.
- Do some reading about historical women
- Watch informative films to educate yourself about women and women’s history
- Go to local museums
Way 2 – Getting Politically Involved
- Take the day off, if possible. There is a nationwide protest in which women are encouraged to take the day off. This can highlight women’s effect on the global economy.
- Donate to a local women’s shelter.
- Participate in a protest taking place on International Women’s Day.
- Look for marathons or walks to raise awareness or money.
- Make a commitment to volunteering longterm. Organizations are always in need of helpful volunteers to keep things running smoothly.
Way 3 – Raising Awareness
- Wear red to raise awareness of International Women’s Day.
- Look for ways to share your story.
- Use social media to raise awareness.
Way 4 – Celebrating Individual Women
- Help out a close female friend or family member.
- Tell a woman what she means alot to you.
- Thank the women in your life. Don’t just tell them why they are important. Thank them for being there for you and for doing what they do.