Celebrated every year on March 8, International Women’s Day (IWD) is a powerful tribute to the achievements, resilience, and rights of women worldwide. More than just a celebration, it’s a global movement pushing for gender equality, social justice, and women’s empowerment in every sphere of life.

History and Evolution of International Women’s Day

1. The Early Beginnings (1908–1910)
The roots of IWD lie in the early 20th-century labor movements:

• In 1908, 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter hours, better pay, and voting rights.

• Inspired by these efforts, the first National Woman’s Day was observed in the U.S. on February 28, 1909.

2. The Global Recognition (1910–1920s)
At the International Socialist Women’s Conference in Copenhagen in 1910, Clara Zetkin, a German activist, proposed an international day to champion women’s rights. The idea was embraced unanimously, and in 1911, the first IWD was celebrated in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland.

3. UN Endorsement (1975)
The United Nations officially recognized International Women’s Day in 1975, designating March 8 as a day to celebrate women’s contributions and promote gender equality.

4. The Modern Movement (2000s–Present)
Today, IWD is observed in over 100 countries, with many declaring it a public holiday. It serves as both a celebration and a call to action against gender inequality, violence, and discrimination.

Objectives of Celebrating International Women’s Day

• Celebrate Achievements: Honor the cultural, political, social, and economic achievements of women.

• Raise Awareness: Highlight the challenges women face, including wage gaps, gender-based violence, underrepresentation, and stereotypes.

• Call to Action: Inspire global communities to take tangible steps toward gender parity.

• Support Women’s Rights: Advocate for equal opportunities in education, healthcare, leadership, and employment.

• Empower Future Generations: Encourage young girls to pursue their dreams without barriers.

Themes Over the Years

Each year, International Women’s Day adopts a theme to reflect current priorities:

• “Each for Equal” (2020)

• “Choose to Challenge” (2021)

• “Break the Bias” (2022)

• “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality” (2023)

• “Inspire Inclusion” (2024)

These themes drive global campaigns, conferences, art, and activism throughout the year.

International Women’s Day is not just a date on the calendar—it’s a global symbol of progress and perseverance. It reminds us that while much has been achieved, the journey toward true equality continues. By celebrating women, challenging norms, and advocating for justice, we help shape a world where everyone—regardless of gender—can thrive.