International Women’s Day (IWD) traces its origins to the labor movement and has evolved into a globally recognized event championed by the United Nations. Its roots go back to 1908, when 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter working hours, better pay, and voting rights.
In 1909, the Socialist Party of America declared the first National Women’s Day. The idea to internationalize the occasion came from Clara Zetkin, a prominent communist activist and advocate for women’s rights. At an international conference of working women held in Copenhagen in 1910, Zetkin proposed the idea of a global day for women. Her proposal was unanimously approved by the 100 delegates from 17 countries.
The first International Women’s Day was celebrated in 1911 across Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. It wasn’t until 1975 that the United Nations officially began commemorating the day. The UN introduced its first theme in 1996: “Celebrating the past, planning for the future.”
Today, International Women’s Day is both a celebration of women’s achievements in society, politics, and the economy, and a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality. Strikes, demonstrations, and campaigns continue to mark the day, honoring its activist roots while pushing for a more equitable future.
International Women’s Day: From Protest to Global Celebration
International Women’s Day (IWD) traces its origins to the labor movement and has evolved into a globally recognized event championed by the United Nations. Its roots go back to 1908, when 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter working hours, better pay, and voting rights.
In 1909, the Socialist Party of America declared the first National Women’s Day. The idea to internationalize the occasion came from Clara Zetkin, a prominent communist activist and advocate for women’s rights. At an international conference of working women held in Copenhagen in 1910, Zetkin proposed the idea of a global day for women. Her proposal was unanimously approved by the 100 delegates from 17 countries.
The first International Women’s Day was celebrated in 1911 across Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. It wasn’t until 1975 that the United Nations officially began commemorating the day. The UN introduced its first theme in 1996: “Celebrating the past, planning for the future.”
Today, International Women’s Day is both a celebration of women’s achievements in society, politics, and the economy, and a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality. Strikes, demonstrations, and campaigns continue to mark the day, honoring its activist roots while pushing for a more equitable future.
Post Code
TAHEA Mwanza