International Women’s Day (IWD) is not just a celebration—it’s an international call to action. In the last century, the day has come a long way from being a grassroots protest to a global movement for gender equality.
Historical Background
Origins (1909–1910):
The Socialist Party of America proclaimed the first National Woman’s Day on February 28 to commemorate the struggles and accomplishments of working women.
During an International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen, Clara Zetkin, a German activist, suggested that there be an annual International Women’s Day.
More than 100 women from 17 nations—representing socialist parties, unions, and working women’s clubs—voted for the idea unanimously.
Clara Zetkin, whose vision laid the groundwork for IWD.
Early Celebrations (1911–1914):
1911:
The inaugural International Women’s Day took place on March 19 in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. More than a million people participated in rallies demanding the right to work, vote, and serve in public office.
Soon after, the devastating Triangle Fire in New York City (March 25) put further focus on the demand for better working conditions.
1917:
During World War I, Russian women in Petrograd went on strike on March 8 (February 23 according to the Julian calendar) to demonstrate against food shortages and poor conditions. This “Bread and Peace” strike contributed to igniting the Russian Revolution and causing significant political reforms.
1921:
The global community officially ratified March 8 as the IWD official date.
Russian women on strike in 1917, a turning point that established March 8 as the lasting date for IWD.
Global Recognition:
The United Nations started celebrating IWD in 1975, associating the day with international efforts towards gender equality and social justice.
Key Achievements of IWD
Raising Global Awareness:
IWD has revolutionized discussions on gender equality by bringing attention to issues like the gender pay gap, discrimination at work, and violence against women.
Enabling Legislative Reforms:
IWD activism has galvanized substantive policy reforms—like Iceland’s historic women’s strike in 1975, which resulted in equal pay reforms and follow-up legislative actions in a number of countries.
Empowering Grassroots Movements:
IWD has energized local mobilizations such as “day without a woman” strikes and mass protests (e.g., Pakistan’s Aurat March) that confront entrenched discrimination.
Commemorating Diverse Achievements:
The day commemorates pioneers in science, politics, arts, sports, and others, motivating future generations to forge ahead and take up leadership positions.
Constructing Global Partnership:
IWD brings women and allies together through events, online campaigns, and community programs, reminding everyone that generating gender equality demands combined, cumulative action.
Modernity Challenges for IWD
Critics point out that business interests tend to appropriate IWD as a marketing vehicle, moving the focus away from authentic advocacy to shallow celebrations.
Political Tokenism:
In other parts of the world, governments appropriate IWD as a means of highlighting small successes, thus deflecting attention away from more fundamental, structural gender inequalities.
Inclusivity and Intersectionality:
IWD activities are sometimes underrepresented by marginalized communities—like women of color, indigenous women, or from lower economic brackets—reducing its collective effect.
Resistance and Backlash:
Where women’s rights are contested, IWD activities have been known to invite resistance or censorship, pitting organizers against the need for visibility versus security.
Protesters on IWD, highlighting the continued struggle for full gender equality.
Conclusion
International Women’s Day is a potent reminder of the gains of the past century and the challenges that remain. Though it has done much—raising awareness and inspiring reforms, empowering grassroots movements—it still faces challenges that require renewed commitment and concerted action.
Let us keep celebrating and amplifying the voices of women.
Let us fight for policy reforms that actually break down systemic barriers.
And above all, let us come together from around the world to build a future of true equality and inclusion.
Forward-looking—a future where equality is not only an aspiration, but a reality
