Background Information on Internatonal Women's Day Celebration in the World

International Women's Day (IWD) is a global holiday celebrated annually on March 8th to recognize women's achievements and raise awareness about gender equality and women's rights. The origins of IWD can be traced back to the early 20th century, a time when women's rights were gaining momentum around the world.

The roots of International Women's Day can be found in the labor and socialist movements of the early 20th century. In 1908, 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter hours, better pay, and voting rights. The following year, the Socialist Party of America declared the first National Women's Day on February 28th.

In 1910, at the International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen, Danish socialist Clara Zetkin proposed the establishment of an annual International Women's Day to advocate for women's rights and suffrage. The proposal was unanimously approved by the women present at the conference and the first International Women's Day was celebrated in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland on March 19, 1911.

by Elder Wewo Kotokay,

Throughout the early 20th century, International Women's Day became a focal point for women's movements around the world. In Russia, women observed International Women's Day on March 8, 1913, to protest World War I and advocate for peace. This date was later adopted by other countries and has been celebrated as International Women's Day ever since.

The significance of International Women's Day lies in its role as a platform to celebrate the achievements of women, advocate for gender equality, and raise awareness about women's rights on a global scale. It is a day to reflect on the progress made towards gender equality and to highlight the challenges that remain.

One of the key reasons for celebrating International Women's Day is to recognize the contributions of women in all fields, including politics, science, arts, and business. It is a time to honor the trailblazing women who have made a difference in the world and to inspire future generations of women to reach their full potential.

Another important aspect of International Women's Day is its role in advocating for gender equality and raising awareness about women's rights. Despite significant progress in women's rights over the past century, women still face discrimination, violence, and inequality in many parts of the world. International Women's Day serves as a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to achieve gender equality.

In today's society, International Women's Day remains as relevant as ever. The #MeToo movement, Time's Up campaign, and the Women's March are just a few examples of recent efforts to address gender inequality and raise awareness about women's rights. International Women's Day provides a platform for individuals and organizations around the world to come together and advocate for change.

In conclusion, International Women's Day has a rich history rooted in the labor and socialist movements of the early 20th century. It serves as a day to celebrate women's achievements, advocate for gender equality, and raise awareness about women's rights on a global scale. While progress has been made, there is still work to be done to achieve true gender equality. International Women's Day reminds us of the importance of standing up for women's rights and working towards a more equitable and just society for all.