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International Women’s Day: History, Significance, and Why It Still Matters Today 

Handso Team

Mar 6, 2025

Every year on March 8th, the world celebrates International Women’s Day (IWD)—a day dedicated to recognizing the achievements of women across history and advocating for gender equality. 

 

But where did this movement begin, and why is it still crucial today?

 

From its roots in labor movements to becoming a global symbol of empowerment, equity, and progress, IWD serves as both a celebration and a call to action. 

 

Let’s explore the history, significance, and ways we can continue to support women’s rights today.

Early Beginnings: The Labor Movement (1900s) 

International Women’s Day has its origins in the early 20th century, emerging from women-led labor movements that fought for better working conditions, fair wages, and voting rights.

 

1908: In New York City, 15,000 women marched through the streets demanding shorter work hours, better pay, and voting rights. Source: History Channel

 

1909: The first National Woman’s Day was observed in the United States on February 28, organized by the Socialist Party of America. Source: National Women's History Alliance

 

1910: At the International Socialist Women’s Conference in Copenhagen, activist Clara Zetkin proposed the idea of an annual International Women’s Day to unify global efforts for gender equality. Source: United Nations 

Recognition and Global Growth (1911-1940s) 

March 19, 1911: The first official International Women’s Day was celebrated in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland, with over 1 million people participating.

 

1917: In Russia, a women's protest for “bread and peace” helped spark the Russian Revolution, leading to the recognition of March 8 as a national holiday.

 

Over the following decades, IWD spread globally, supported by feminist movements and organizations advocating for gender equality. 

United Nations Recognition (1975-Present) 

1975: The United Nations (UN) officially recognized International Women’s Day during the International Women’s Year.

 

1996-Present: The UN began themed campaigns each year to highlight different aspects of gender equality, such as “Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow” (2022). 

Why International Women’s Day Matters Today 

Despite over a century of progress, gender inequality still exists. IWD is a reminder that the fight for equal pay, education, safety, and opportunities is far from over. 

Key Issues Women Still Face Globally 

 ⚠️ Gender Pay Gap – Women still earn roughly 20% less than men globally for the same work.  
⚠️ Underrepresentation in Leadership – Only 10% of Fortune 500 CEOs are women. 
⚠️ Violence & Safety – 1 in 3 women experiences gender-based violence in their lifetime
⚠️ Limited Access to Education – In some countries, millions of girls are still denied schooling due to cultural or economic barriers.

Conclusion

International Women’s Day is not just about reflection—it’s about action. How will you celebrate and support women today? Whether it’s making conscious purchasing decisions, advocating for equal rights, or simply recognizing the contributions of women in your life, every effort matters. 

References:
https://www.history.com/topics/womens-history

https://nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org/

https://www.un.org/en/observances/womens-day
https://www.weforum.org/stories/2024/03/iwd24-gender-equality-sdgs/

https://fortune.com/2024/06/04/fortune-500-companies-women-ceos-2024


Donate:

https://www.unwomen.org
https://www.girlswhocode.com/

https://www.malala.org