International women’s day

International Women’s Day: Celebrating Progress and Advocacy

International Women’s Day is observed globally on March 8 each year, a day dedicated to reflecting on and celebrating the remarkable social, political, economic, and cultural accomplishments of women. The primary aim of this day is to increase awareness and support for gender equality.

While some countries recognize it as a public holiday, in the United States, it remains a regular workday, with businesses and schools operating as usual.

The official color of International Women’s Day is purple, symbolizing justice and dignity. Originally, the Women’s Social and Political Union in the UK selected purple, green, and white as the official colors in 1908. Green represents hope, while white, once symbolizing purity, has since been phased out due to its outdated connotations.

A Brief History of International Women’s Day

The movement for a dedicated day to celebrate women began in the early 1900s amid rapid population growth and rising unemployment during the industrial revolution. This period saw a surge in radical ideologies and increased activism among those feeling oppressed.

In 1908, 15,000 women marched through New York City advocating for better wages and voting rights. This protest inspired garment workers to strike in 1909 against poor working conditions and low pay. The Socialist Party of America then organized the first National Women’s Day on February 28, 1909, initially celebrated on the last Sunday of February.

Clara Zetkin, from the German Women’s Office, advocated for an International Women’s Day during a 1920 Copenhagen conference. Her proposal, aimed at uniting countries in the fight for women’s rights, was accepted, leading to the first official International Women’s Day events in Europe on March 19, 1911.

Tragically, just days later, the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in New York, which killed 146 female workers, underscored the urgent need for improved working conditions for women. Consequently, March 8 was officially designated as International Women’s Day in 1913.

International Women’s Day in Recent Times

The United Nations recognized International Women’s Day in 1975 and declared 1975 as International Women’s Year. By 1977, the UN General Assembly urged member states to celebrate March 8, marking the day as a global event focused on women’s rights, international peace, and the fight against discrimination.

Each year, International Women’s Day adopts a new theme to highlight women’s struggles and achievements. Past themes include “Celebrating the Past, Planning for the Future” (1996), “Ending Impunity for Violence Against Women and Girls” (2007), and “DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality” (2023).

Celebrations of International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day is marked by events worldwide, including seminars, conferences, debates, and social gatherings that spotlight the challenges and successes of women. These events often feature speeches from prominent women leaders, such as politicians, educators, and entrepreneurs, addressing topics like education, media representation, and career equality.

Schools also participate by organizing lessons and presentations that highlight the impact of women on society.

Notable Historical Facts

• The first International Women’s Day celebration in 1911 was held in Denmark, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
• The UN officially recognized International Women’s Day in 1975.
• In 2011, President Barack Obama designated March as “Women’s History Month” in the U.S.
• According to a UN report, women earn only 77 cents for every dollar earned by men, with true pay equality projected to be achieved only by 2069.

International Women’s Day continues to be a powerful platform for advocating gender equality and celebrating the achievements of women worldwide.