International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day (IWD). A global observance held annually on March 8 to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women and to call for accelerating gender parity. The day has its roots in the labor movements of the early 20th century and has evolved into a worldwide event recognized by millions.

History

The seeds of IWD were planted in 1908 when 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding better working conditions and voting rights. The first National Woman’s Day was observed in the United States in 1909. The idea to make it an international event came from Clara Zetkin, a communist activist and women’s rights advocate, who proposed it at an International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen in 1910.

The first International Women’s Day was celebrated in 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. The United Nations began observing the day in 1975.

Themes and Observances

Each year, IWD focuses on a particular theme. The theme for 2025 is “Accelerate Action,” emphasizing the urgency of eliminating systemic barriers and biases that impede women’s equality. The United Nations also designates official themes for each year, with 2025’s theme being “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”

Global Celebrations

IWD is celebrated differently around the world:

• In Italy, men give yellow mimosas to women, a tradition started by communist politician Teresa Mattei in 1946.
• In the United States, the day is marked with panel discussions, breakfasts, and events featuring prominent women in various fields.
• In France, it’s known as “Journée internationale des droits des femmes” (International Women’s Rights Day).

Significance

IWD serves several purposes, including:

1. Celebrating women’s achievements
2. Raising awareness about gender-based discrimination
3. Taking action in support of gender equality

The day is particularly important because it provides an opportunity to reflect on progress made towards gender equality and to call for change in areas where inequality persists.

International Women’s Day continues to be a powerful platform for raising awareness about women’s rights and inspiring action towards achieving gender equality worldwide.

See: International Women’s Day Promotes Rights Worldwide (March 8, 2025)