The History of International Women’s Day

Everyone reading this knows (indubitably) at least one woman..e.g mother who's doing something great for the betterment of humanity.

Today, I delve into the history of International Women's Day as we celebrate it in 2025.

International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated every year on March 8. It is a day to recognize the strength and achievements of women and to continue the fight for equal rights. But how did this day begin? The history of IWD is a story of courage, protests, and change.

The Beginning (1900s-1910s)

In the early 1900s, life was very hard for many women. They worked long hours in factories for little pay and had no right to vote. Many women decided to stand up and demand better conditions.

In 1908, 15,000 women marched through New York City, asking for shorter working hours, better pay, and voting rights. A year later, the Socialist Party of America declared the first National Women’s Day in the U.S.

In 1910, a German activist named Clara Zetkin suggested creating an International Women’s Day. She wanted women all over the world to come together for their rights. In 1911, Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland celebrated the first official IWD with protests and meetings.

Women’s Day and Big Changes (1910s-1970s)

One of the biggest moments in IWD history happened in Russia. On March 8, 1917, women in Russia protested for “bread and peace” because of war and hunger. Their protests helped lead to big political changes, including women gaining the right to vote.

By the 1970s, the fight for women’s rights had grown stronger around the world. More women were speaking up for equal pay, education, and opportunities. In 1977, the United Nations officially recognized March 8 as International Women’s Day.

Women’s Day Today

Today, IWD is celebrated in more than 100 countries. Each year, there are themes focused on issues like women in leadership, equal pay, and education. While progress has been made, many challenges remain.

International Women’s Day is a reminder that the fight for equality is not over. Women throughout history have shown that real change happens when people stand up for what is right.