The Story Behind International Women’s Day and Why We Celebrate It on March 8
Every year on March 8, the world comes together to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) —a day dedicated to recognizing the achievements, struggles, and contributions of women. But why this specific date? How did this global movement begin? Let's take a deep dive into the history and significance of this special day.
The roots of International Women’s Day trace back to the early 20th century, a time when women across the world were fighting for their rights—especially for better working conditions, fair wages, and the right to vote. It all started in 1908 , when around 15,000 women marched through New York City , demanding shorter working hours, better pay, and voting rights. Inspired by this, the Socialist Party of America declared February 28, 1909, as the first National Women’s Day in the United States.
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But it was in 1910 that the idea of an international day for women truly took shape. During the Second International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen, a German socialist activist, Clara Zetkin , proposed a global day to recognize women's struggles and demands for equality. The proposal was accepted, and the first International Women’s Day was observed in 1911 , with rallies in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland.
So, why March 8? The date is linked to the 1917 Russian Revolution . On February 23, 1917 , women in Russia organized protests against war and food shortages. Under the Julian calendar used in Russia at the time, this date corresponded to March 8 in the Gregorian calendar , which most of the world follows today. The protests were so powerful that they contributed to the downfall of Czar Nicholas II, leading to women winning the right to vote in Russia —one of the first major victories for women's suffrage.
Recognizing its significance, the United Nations officially adopted March 8 as International Women’s Day in 1977 . Since then, it has grown into a global movement that celebrates the achievements of women in all fields—politics, science, business, sports, and the arts—while also highlighting the ongoing struggles for gender equality, women’s rights, and social justice .
Today, International Women’s Day is marked with rallies, events, and campaigns worldwide. Each year, a new theme is chosen to focus on critical issues facing women. While we’ve made progress, there’s still work to be done. Women continue to fight for equal pay, workplace rights, education, and freedom from violence and discrimination .
So, as we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025 , let’s remember that it’s not just a day of recognition—it’s a call to action. Whether it's supporting women in leadership, advocating for policy changes, or simply recognizing the contributions of the women in our lives, every effort counts toward a more equal and just world.
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