What Is International Women’s Day and Why Is It Important?
International Women’s Day (IWD), celebrated annually on March 8, is a global movement honoring women’s achievements in social, political, and economic spheres. It also serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for gender equality.
First championed by women’s rights activists, IWD has grown into a worldwide event where people wear purple (symbolizing justice and dignity) and green (representing hope) while advocating for positive change.
The Origins of International Women’s Day
The roots of International Women’s Day trace back to February 1909, when women in New York organized a mass protest demanding better wages, shorter hours, safer working conditions, and voting rights. This event laid the foundation for what would later become a global movement.
In 1910, German activist Clara Zetkin proposed the idea of an international day dedicated to women’s rights at the International Conference of Working Women in Denmark. Her proposal gained unanimous support, and the first International Women’s Day was celebrated in 1911.
The March 8 date was officially established during World War I, and in 1975, the United Nations recognized it as an international observance. Since then, the UN has introduced annual themes to highlight key gender equality issues.
How International Women’s Day Is Celebrated Around the World
International Women’s Day is an official holiday in many countries and widely observed in others. While some places mark the occasion with protests and activism, others celebrate by giving flowers, hosting events, and honoring women’s contributions.
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1. Italy 🇮🇹
In Italy, International Women’s Day is known as Festa della Donna. The country’s symbolic flower for the occasion is the yellow mimosa, representing female strength and solidarity. It’s common for women to exchange sprigs of mimosa and enjoy specially prepared mimosa-themed cakes and pasta dishes.
2. Romania 🇷🇴
In Romania, IWD is celebrated similarly to Mother’s Day, with people—especially men—giving flowers and gifts to mothers, grandmothers, and female friends who have children.
3. United States 🇺🇸
While International Women’s Day is not an official holiday in the U.S., March is recognized as Women’s History Month. Events across the country, including rallies, panel discussions, and conferences, highlight women’s achievements and ongoing challenges in gender equality.
4. Russia 🇷🇺
Since 1918, IWD has been an official public holiday in Russia. While its early political significance has faded, the day is widely celebrated through gift-giving, flowers, and appreciation for women.
5. China 🇨🇳
China has recognized International Women’s Day since 1949. While not a full public holiday, many companies give female employees a half-day off. Additionally, the day has taken on a commercial aspect, with businesses encouraging men to buy gifts for the women in their lives.
6. Australia 🇦🇺
Australia has observed International Women’s Day for decades, with the movement gaining momentum in the 1970s. The day is marked by marches, panel discussions, and networking events featuring women leaders calling for more representation, diversity, and equality.
7. Spain 🇪🇸
Spain has become a leader in women’s rights activism, especially since the 2018 nationwide strike, where over 5 million people protested for 24 hours. Large-scale demonstrations continue each year, focusing on advancing women’s rights and gender equality.
8. United Kingdom 🇬🇧
London hosts the Women of the World (WOW) Festival, a multi-day event featuring speakers, activists, and performers tackling global women’s issues. The WOW festival has since expanded worldwide, fostering discussions on gender equality across different cultures.
Why International Women’s Day Still Matters
Despite progress, gender equality remains a global issue. The World Economic Forum’s 2023 Global Gender Gap Report states that no country has yet achieved full gender parity—and at the current pace, it could take over a century to close the gap.
International Women’s Day is more than just a celebration—it’s a call to action to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and ensure a more equitable future for all.