International Women’s Day: A Celebration and a Call to Action

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‍What is the significance of International Women’s Day?

International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global observance held annually on March 8 to celebrate the achievements of women and advocate for gender equality. Originating in the early 20th century, the day recognizes women's contributions to society, politics, and the economy while highlighting ongoing challenges such as gender-based discrimination, pay inequality, and women's rights.

Governments, organizations, and activists worldwide mark the occasion with events, campaigns, and discussions focused on empowerment and change. Each year, IWD is centered around a specific theme, encouraging action toward a more equitable future.

‍When was International Women’s Day established, and why is it observed on March 8?

International Women’s Day (IWD) originated in the early 20th century as part of the broader fight for women’s rights, particularly in labor and voting movements. The first National Women’s Day was observed in the United States on February 28, 1909, organized by the Socialist Party of America to honor garment workers who had protested for better working conditions in New York City.

The idea gained international momentum when German activist Clara Zetkin proposed an annual Women’s Day at the International Socialist Women's Conference in 1910. The first official International Women’s Day was celebrated on March 19, 1911, in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland.

The date shifted to March 8 in 1917, when Russian women protested for “Bread and Peace” amid World War I and the Russian Revolution. Their strike contributed to the abdication of Czar Nicholas II and eventually led to women gaining the right to vote in Russia. The Soviet Union officially recognized March 8 as a national holiday, and the date was later adopted by the United Nations in 1977, cementing it as a global celebration of women's rights and gender equality.

How do people around the world celebrate International Women’s Day?

International Women’s Day (IWD) is observed globally with a variety of events, campaigns, and initiatives that celebrate women's achievements and advocate for gender equality. While traditions vary by country, common ways of marking the occasion include:

• Marches and Rallies – Activists and organizations hold demonstrations to raise awareness about gender issues and push for policy changes.
• Corporate and Workplace Events – Companies host panels, workshops, and networking events to highlight women’s contributions and promote workplace equality.
• Government and UN Initiatives – Many countries issue official statements, introduce policies, or organize conferences focused on women’s rights and economic empowerment.
• Cultural Celebrations – Some nations, like Russia and China, recognize IWD as a public holiday, with people giving flowers and gifts to women.
• Educational Campaigns – Schools and media platforms share stories of influential women and highlight the ongoing fight for gender equality.

The day serves as both a celebration and a call to action, uniting people worldwide in the pursuit of a more inclusive and equitable future.

What is the future of International Women’s Day?

The future of International Women’s Day (IWD) will likely see continued growth as a platform for gender equality, empowerment, and social change. As conversations around women's rights evolve, IWD is expected to focus more on intersectionality, digital activism, and policy-driven change.

With increasing corporate and governmental involvement, future observances may emphasize workplace equity, leadership opportunities for women, and stronger legal protections against discrimination and violence. Technology and social media will also play a key role in amplifying voices, mobilizing movements, and fostering global solidarity.

While progress has been made, persistent challenges such as the gender pay gap, reproductive rights, and political representation mean that March 8 will remain a vital call to action for years to come.

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Source: AP news‍