International Women’s Day

A Brief History of International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day, observed annually on March 8, honors the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women worldwide. It also serves as a call to action for accelerating gender parity.

Origins in the Early 20th Century

The roots of IWD trace back to labor movements in North America and Europe. In 1909, the Socialist Party of America organized the first National Woman’s Day in New York City, inspired by the 1908 garment workers’ strike protesting poor working conditions.

In 1910, at the International Socialist Women’s Conference in Copenhagen, German activist Clara Zetkin proposed the idea of an International Women’s Day to advocate for women’s rights and suffrage. The proposal was unanimously accepted by over 100 women from 17 countries.

Establishing the Date

The first International Women’s Day was celebrated on March 19, 1911, in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland, with rallies attended by over a million people. The date March 8 became associated with IWD following a 1917 strike by Russian women demanding “bread and peace” during World War I. This protest led to significant political changes, including the granting of voting rights to women in Russia.

Global Recognition

After being predominantly celebrated in socialist countries, IWD gained broader international recognition. In 1975, during the International Women’s Year, the United Nations began celebrating March 8 as International Women’s Day. Two years later, the UN General Assembly invited member states to proclaim March 8 as the UN Day for women’s rights and world peace.

Celebrating International Women’s Day at Saint Ursula Academy aligns with the school’s commitment to empowering young women and recognizing their potential to effect positive change in the world.