international-womens-day-march-8

International Womens Day March 8

Imagine stepping back into the early 20th century, a time when women's voices were barely a whisper in the corridors of power. Fast forward to today, and the echoes of their resilience have transformed into a roar heard across the globe. International Women's Day (IWD), celebrated on March 8th, stands as a testament to this incredible journey. From its humble beginnings in 1909, commemorating the garment workers' strike in New York, to becoming a global day of recognition, IWD has evolved into more than just a day; it's a movement. A movement that not only celebrates women's achievements but also shines a spotlight on the ongoing struggle for gender equality. With each passing year, the day serves as a powerful reminder that while significant strides have been made, the journey towards equality is far from over. "Digital Generation. Our Time is Now," the theme for 2023, underscores the critical role of digital technology in advancing women's rights and the urgent need to close the gender gap in the tech industry.

Key Takeaway

International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global celebration that began in 1911, demanding women’s suffrage, better pay, shorter working hours, and an end to discrimination.
IWD has grown into a global movement recognized by the United Nations, with events held worldwide to raise awareness of women’s rights and gender equality. The theme for 2023 is “Digital Generation. Our Time is Now,” emphasizing the importance of digital technology and the need to bridge the gender gap in the tech industry.

Timeline

1909
National Women’s Day
The Socialist Party of America organizes the first National Women’s Day, held on February 28.
1910
International Women’s Conference
The International Socialist Woman’s Conference suggests an International Women’s Day to promote equal rights for women.
1911
First International Women’s Day
The first International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 19 in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. Demonstrations take place to demand women’s right to vote, to hold public office, and for equal pay for equal work.
1913
US Celebration
The United States begins celebrating National Women’s Day on the last Sunday in February.
1914
International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day is celebrated for the first time in the United States on March 8, aligning with most European countries.
1917
Russian Revolution
International Women’s Day protests in Petrograd, Russia, spark the February Revolution, which ultimately leads to the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II.
1975
UN Celebration
The United Nations begins celebrating International Women’s Day on March 8.
1996
Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action
The Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing adopts the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a far-reaching roadmap for gender equality.
2011
100th Anniversary
The 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day is celebrated with the theme ‘Equal access to education, training, and science and technology: Pathways to decent work for women’.
2014
Inspiring Change
The United Nations marks International Women’s Day with the theme ‘Inspiring Change’, focusing on encouraging advocacy for women’s rights and gender equality.
2018
#PressforProgress
The theme for International Women’s Day 2018 is ‘#PressforProgress’, urging people to press forward and progress gender parity.
2019
#BalanceforBetter
The theme for International Women’s Day 2019 is ‘#BalanceforBetter’, aiming to create a gender-balanced world.
2020
#EachforEqual
The theme for International Women’s Day 2020 is ‘#EachforEqual’, emphasizing that individual actions can collectively drive gender equality.
2021
#ChooseToChallenge
The theme for International Women’s Day 2021 is ‘#ChooseToChallenge’, encouraging people to challenge gender bias and inequality.

Day Activities

  1. Marches and Rallies: Kick off International Women's Day with spirited marches and rallies. Streets worldwide come alive with vibrant banners and chants, as folks from all walks of life unite to demand gender equality. It's not just about making noise; it's a powerful display of solidarity and a call to action for rights still fought for.

  2. Conferences and Workshops: Dive deep into the issues at hand with enlightening conferences and workshops. These gatherings are hotbeds for discussion, offering insights into the strides made in women's rights and the hurdles yet to overcome. From tech gurus to activists, speakers galore share their wisdom, inspiring attendees to push the envelope further.

  3. Cultural Celebrations: Wrap up the day with cultural events that honor women's achievements through art, music, and literature. These festivities not only entertain but educate, showcasing the rich tapestry of women's contributions across the globe. It's a fitting tribute to the resilience and creativity of women, past and present.

Why We Love This Day

  • Celebrating Achievements and Pushing for Equality

Who doesn't love a day dedicated to shouting out women's accomplishments and advocating for equal rights? International Women's Day (IWD) is that special day when we all come together to celebrate the incredible strides women have made over the years. From fighting for the right to vote to breaking glass ceilings in every field imaginable, women have shown time and again that they're a force to be reckoned with. But, let's not forget, this day isn't just about patting ourselves on the back. It's also a powerful reminder that the fight for gender equality is far from over. So, hats off to the resilience and achievements of women worldwide, and let's keep pushing for a world where everyone, regardless of gender, has equal opportunities.

  • A Global Movement with Historical Roots

Talk about a blast from the past with a purpose! International Women's Day didn't just pop up out of nowhere. It's rooted in over a century of history, starting with women taking to the streets to demand better working conditions and the right to vote. Fast forward to today, and it's become a global movement that not only celebrates women's achievements but also highlights ongoing struggles for gender equality. Every year, folks from all corners of the globe come together to participate in events that range from marches and rallies to conferences and cultural events. It's a day that connects us all, reminding us of our shared history and the ongoing journey towards a more equitable world.

  • Spotlight on Bridging the Digital Divide

This year's theme, "Digital Generation. Our Time is Now," couldn't be more timely. In an era where digital technology shapes our lives in countless ways, it's crucial to ensure that women and girls aren't left behind. International Women's Day shines a spotlight on the importance of bridging the gender gap in the tech industry. It's a call to action for creating more opportunities for women in digital fields, ensuring they have the skills and support needed to thrive. After all, when women succeed in tech, they bring unique perspectives and innovations that benefit everyone. So, let's use this day to champion the inclusion of women in every digital frontier, from coding and cybersecurity to digital art and beyond.

Past & Future Dates

Month Day Year
MARCH 8 2022
MARCH 8 2023
MARCH 8 2024
MARCH 8 2025
MARCH 8 2026
MARCH 8 2027
MARCH 8 2028

FAQ

Why do we celebrate March 8 as International Women's Day?

We celebrate March 8 as International Women's Day due to its historic roots in the women's movements, particularly those that emerged during the Russian Revolution in 1917. This day marks a pivotal point in the struggle for women's rights, celebrating milestones like New Zealand becoming the first self-governing country to grant women the vote.

What is International Women's Day on March 8?

International Women's Day (IWD), observed annually on March 8, stands as a key date in championing women's rights. It's a time when the global community shines a spotlight on gender equality, reproductive rights, and putting an end to violence and abuse against women.

What is the theme for International Women's Day on March 8th, 2024?

For 2024, International Women's Day is energized by the theme 'Inspire Inclusion'. Emphasizing the vital need for inclusion, this theme motivates everyone to cherish and advance women's inclusion, cultivating a world where everyone feels a sense of belonging and empowerment.

Is March 7th International Women's Day?

No, International Women's Day is celebrated on March 8. This day is globally recognized and commemorates the achievements and ongoing fight for women's rights.