Why International Women’s Day Matters Globally

International Women's Day: Why It Matters

For over a century, people worldwide have come together on March 8th to mark International Women's Day (IWD), a celebration of women's achievements and a call for gender equality. Across Africa, women join global communities to commemorate the day, which underscores the long-standing journey toward better lives for women everywhere.

Women continue to raise their voices through various platforms to advocate for girls' rights, equal access to quality education, economic opportunities, and much more.

But what exactly is the significance of this day, and why is it so essential?

How Did International Women's Day Begin?

International Women's Day has its roots in labor movements, with its origins tracing back to 1908. During this year, 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter working hours, better pay, and the right to vote.

A year later, the Socialist Party of America announced the first National Women's Day.

The international element of IWD was proposed by Clara Zetkin, a communist activist and advocate for women's rights. In 1910, she presented the idea at the International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen. Zetkin's proposal received unanimous support from the 100 women attending from 17 different countries.

The first official International Women's Day was observed in 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland.

In 1975, the United Nations (UN) began recognizing the event, and in 1996, the UN established its first theme: "Celebrating the Past, Planning for the Future."

Why Is March 8th the Chosen Date?

Initially, Zetkin's idea for an international celebration did not designate a specific date. March 8th became the chosen day after women in Russia demanded "bread and peace" during a wartime strike in 1917. Just four days after the strike, the Russian Tsar abdicated, and the provisional government granted women the right to vote.

The strike began on February 23rd according to the Julian calendar used at the time in Russia, which corresponds to March 8th in the Gregorian calendar.

How Is International Women's Day Celebrated Globally?

International Women's Day is recognized as a national holiday in several countries. In China, for example, many women receive a half-day off work.

Thousands of events take place worldwide, including marches, talks, concerts, exhibitions, and discussions.

In Italy, the day is known as Festa della Donna, with mimosa flowers being a popular gift. In Russia, flowers are often in abundance during International Women's Day.

In the United States, March is celebrated as Women's History Month, with a presidential proclamation each year honoring the accomplishments of American women.

In a social media post at the start of March 2024, U.S. President Joe Biden stated that the month would "celebrate the legacies of both known and unsung singers and advocates who have made the world more just, fair, and free."

Why Do People Wear Purple on International Women's Day?

Purple, green, and white are the official colors of International Women's Day, according to the event's official website.

Purple symbolizes justice and dignity, green represents hope, and white represents purity, though the latter remains a complex and debated concept.

These colors were first used by the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU), a British group founded in 1903 to campaign for women's suffrage.

What Is the 2024 Theme for International Women's Day?

The UN's 2024 theme is "Invest in Women: Accelerate Development," focusing on gender equality and its critical role in accelerating progress. The UN warns that economic instability and rising costs could lead to 75% of countries reducing public spending by 2025, disproportionately affecting women and essential services.

The International Women's Day website has chosen "Inspire Inclusion" as its theme. The aim is to "break barriers, challenge misconceptions, and create an environment where all women are valued and respected."

Why Do Activists Say International Women's Day Is Still Needed?

Activists argue that the day serves as a crucial opportunity to reflect on progress made while highlighting ongoing setbacks for women's rights around the world, including the ongoing effects of gender-based violence and abuse.

In the past year, women in the Middle East, Afghanistan, Iran, and Ukraine have been fighting for their rights amid war and conflict.

UN experts have received credible reports of human rights violations against women and girls in Gaza, including rape and Israeli military forces' actions.

In Afghanistan, girls above primary school age remain banned from attending school by the Taliban, denying women equal access to education.

In Iran, many continue to defy laws requiring women to cover their hair, while activists like Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi face long prison sentences.

The UN also reports that women and girls in Sudan are being abducted and raped in areas controlled by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), with many forced into marriage or held for ransom.

According to the World Economic Forum’s 2023 Global Gender Gap Index, no country has achieved full gender equality, with predictions suggesting that global gender parity could take over a century to achieve.

Is There an International Men's Day?

International Men's Day is celebrated on November 19th each year since the 1990s. Though not officially recognized by the UN, it is observed in over 80 countries, including the UK.

The event highlights the positive contributions men make to the world, their families, and communities. It focuses on promoting positive male role models, raising awareness of men's health and well-being, and improving gender relations.

For many years, comedian Richard Herring has raised thousands of pounds for the domestic abuse charity Refuge each International Women's Day, responding to complaints on social media about the lack of an International Men's Day.