For over a century, people worldwide have celebrated International Women’s Day on March 8.
But what does this day represent, and why is it important?
How Did International Women’s Day Begin?
International Women’s Day (IWD) emerged from the labor movement, with its roots tracing back to 1908. That year, 15,000 women marched through New York City, demanding shorter working hours, fair wages, and the right to vote.
In 1909, the Socialist Party of America marked the first National Woman’s Day, laying the foundation for what would become a global movement.
The idea of making International Women’s Day a global event came from Clara Zetkin, a communist activist and women’s rights advocate.
In 1910, she proposed the idea at the International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen. Her suggestion received unanimous support from the 100 women representing 17 countries.
The first official International Women’s Day was celebrated in 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland.
The United Nations (UN) began recognizing the event in 1975. In 1996, it introduced its first official theme: “Celebrating the Past, Planning for the Future.”
Why is International Women’s Day held on 8 March?
Clara Zetkin’s original idea for an international celebration was not linked to a specific date.
March 8 was chosen after Russian women staged a wartime strike in 1917, demanding “bread and peace.” Four days into the protest, the tsar was forced to abdicate, and the provisional government granted women the right to vote.
At the time, Russia followed the Julian calendar, where the strike began on February 23. In the Gregorian calendar, used by much of the world, this date corresponds to March 8.
How is International Women’s Day celebrated around the world?
International Women’s Day is recognized as a national holiday in many countries. In China, for example, women are often given a half-day off work, following guidance from the State Council.
Globally, thousands of events take place, including marches, talks, concerts, exhibitions, and debates.
In Italy, IWD is known as Festa della Donna, and mimosa blossoms are a traditional gift. In Russia, flower sales typically double around this time.
In the United States, March is designated as Women’s History Month. Each year, a presidential proclamation honors the contributions of American women.
In a March 2024 Instagram post, U.S. President Joe Biden stated that the month would “celebrate the legacy of sung and unsung trailblazers and advocates who have made the world a fairer, more just, and free place.”
Why do people wear the colour purple for International Women’s Day?
According to the International Women’s Day website, the official colors of IWD are purple, green, and white.
- Purple symbolizes justice and dignity.
- Green represents hope.
- White stands for purity, though this remains a debated concept.
These colors were originally used by the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU), a British organization founded in 1903 to campaign for women’s voting rights.
What is the theme of International Women’s Day 2024?
The United Nations theme for International Women’s Day 2024 is “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” emphasizing the need for gender-equality initiatives.
The UN warns that “conflicts and rising prices may lead 75% of countries to cut public spending by 2025, negatively impacting women and their essential services.”
Meanwhile, the International Women’s Day website has chosen “Inspire Inclusion” as its theme. It encourages organizers and events to “break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create environments where all women are valued and respected.”
Why do campaigners argue that International Women’s Day is needed?
Organizers emphasize that International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate progress while also addressing the ongoing erosion of women’s rights, gender-based violence, and abuse worldwide.
Over the past year, women in regions including the Middle East, Afghanistan, Iran, and Ukraine have continued to fight for their rights amid war and violence.
A UN team has reported “convincing information” that hostages held in Gaza have been subjected to sexual violence, including rape and sexualized torture. The same report also includes allegations of sexual violence against Palestinians in Israeli custody, citing “unwanted touching of intimate areas” and “prolonged forced nudity” in detention, during house raids, and at checkpoints after October 7.
Additionally, the BBC has seen evidence of rape, sexual violence, and mutilation of Israeli women during the Hamas attacks on October 7.
In Afghanistan, girls above primary school age remain banned from classrooms under Taliban rule, severely limiting women’s access to education.
In Iran, many women continue to defy laws requiring them to cover their hair, while activists like Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi face long prison sentences for their advocacy.
In Sudan, the UN reports that women and girls are being abducted and raped in areas controlled by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), where they are forcibly married or held for ransom.
According to the 2023 Global Gender Gap Index by the World Economic Forum, no country has yet achieved full gender equality. The report warns that at the current pace, global gender parity may still be more than a century away.
Is there an International Men’s Day?
International Men’s Day has been observed on November 19 since the 1990s.
While the event is not officially recognized by the United Nations (UN), it is observed in more than 80 countries, including the UK.
According to organizers, the day focuses on “the positive value men bring to the world, their families, and communities.” It aims to celebrate positive role models, raise awareness of men’s well-being, and promote better gender relations.
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