Imagine a world where gender equality isn’t an annual topic of discussion but an ingrained reality.
Where women no longer have to fight for fair wages, leadership positions, or the basic right to live free from discrimination.
While that world still seems like a work in progress, International Women’s Day (IWD) serves as a powerful reminder of the journey toward gender equality—one that has been marked by struggle, resistance, and undeniable progress.
But how did this global celebration come to be? What does it truly represent? And what are some lesser-known facts that make this day so impactful?
Let’s break it down.
The Origins of International Women’s Day
The mass meeting at Rutgers Square during the shirt strike of 1909-1910. Collection: Photographs of the International Garment Workers Union.
It wasn’t social media campaigns or corporations rushing to put pink logos on their websites that gave birth to International Women’s Day.
The roots of IWD trace back over a century, to a time when women were fighting for fundamental rights like voting, fair wages, and safe working conditions.
The first sparks of IWD can be found in 1908, New York, when 15,000 women marched through the city demanding better pay, shorter hours, and voting rights. This powerful demonstration became a pivotal moment in the women’s rights movement.
A year later, in 1909, the Socialist Party of America declared the first National Women’s Day, celebrated across the United States on February 28.
But the movement didn’t stop there. In 1910, at the International Socialist Women’s Conference in Copenhagen, German activist Clara Zetkin proposed the idea of a global day to advocate for women's rights. She envisioned a day when women around the world could unite for the same cause, regardless of nationality.
Her idea gained unanimous approval, and in 1911, International Women’s Day was officially observed for the first time in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. Over one million people participated in rallies advocating for women’s rights, demanding gender equality in voting, work, and education.
By 1917, Russian women played a critical role in further popularizing the movement. On March 8, they organized a massive strike for "bread and peace," protesting against war and oppression. The movement gained momentum, and the Russian government granted women the right to vote shortly after.
March 8 soon became the universally recognized date for IWD, solidified when the United Nations officially adopted the celebration in 1975—marking the beginning of an era where governments and organizations worldwide took responsibility for advancing gender equality.
What Does International Women’s Day Stand for Today?
Fast forward to 2025, and IWD has transformed into more than just a day of reflection.
It’s a movement.
A call to action.
A global platform for advocating women’s rights, amplifying voices, and challenging the status quo.
Today, IWD serves several purposes, including:
- Recognizing women’s achievements in various fields, from science and business to activism and sports.
- Raising awareness about gender inequality, wage gaps, violence against women, and lack of representation in leadership.
- Encouraging organizations and governments to implement real, systemic changes that support gender parity.
- Inspiring individuals to take personal and collective action toward a more equal world.
Each year, IWD follows a unique theme to guide discussions and activism.
The 2025 theme, "Accelerating Change," emphasizes the urgency of breaking barriers and creating opportunities for women globally.
Surprising Facts About International Women’s Day That You Probably Didn’t Know
Despite being celebrated worldwide, there are some truly fascinating facts about IWD that many people are unaware of. Here are some of the most interesting ones:
1. IWD Is a Public Holiday in More Than 25 Countries
In many countries, March 8 is a national holiday, meaning businesses, schools, and government offices close to honor the occasion. Nations like Russia, Ukraine, China, and Uganda recognize IWD as an official day off, while others celebrate it with large public events.
2. The Official Color of IWD Is Purple
If you’ve ever wondered why everything turns purple around March 8, it’s because purple has long been associated with justice and dignity.
Historically, it was one of the colors used by the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) in the UK, one of the leading groups in the suffrage movement.
3. The United Nations Has Been Involved Since 1975
Although the movement began in the early 1900s, the UN officially recognized IWD in 1975. Since then, they have played a critical role in setting annual themes and pushing global policies that promote gender equality.
4. Google Celebrates IWD with Special Doodles
Every year, Google releases an International Women’s Day Google Doodle, often highlighting the achievements of women in different industries.
These illustrations showcase female pioneers in science, literature, art, activism, and more.
5. Some Countries Celebrate Women’s Day Like Mother’s Day
In places like Italy, Serbia, and Albania, IWD is celebrated similarly to Mother’s Day, where women receive flowers, chocolates, and gifts from family members.
6. There’s Still No Country with Complete Gender Equality
Despite the progress made over the past century, no country in the world has achieved full gender equality. According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report, at the current pace, it will take another 135.6 years to close the gender gap completely.
How You Can Celebrate and Support International Women’s Day
Celebrating IWD isn’t just about posting hashtags or sharing inspirational quotes—it’s about taking real action.
Here are some meaningful ways you can celebrate and contribute to the movement:
1. Support Women-Owned Businesses
Choose to shop from women-led brands, startups, and small businesses. Whether it’s fashion, wellness, or tech, supporting female entrepreneurs helps bridge the gender wealth gap.
2. Educate Yourself and Others
Understanding the history of IWD, gender inequality statistics, workplace diversity and women’s issues worldwide makes a huge difference. Read books, listen to podcasts, or attend discussions about gender equality.
3. Advocate for Workplace Equality
Whether you’re an employee or employer, advocate for policies that support equal pay, parental leave, and leadership opportunities for women.
4. Donate to Women’s Charities
Organizations like UN Women, Malala Fund, Girls Who Code, and Women for Women International work tirelessly to improve women’s rights globally. Contributing to these causes helps fund education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for women in need.
5. Amplify Women’s Voices
Use your platform—whether it’s social media, your workplace, or your community—to highlight and celebrate women’s contributions. Share their stories, credit their work, and uplift their voices.
6. Participate in IWD Events
Many communities, organizations, and universities host panel discussions, networking events, and workshops focused on gender equality. Attending these events or bringing them to your workplace is a great way to engage in meaningful conversations.
What’s Next for Women’s Rights?
While International Women’s Day is a significant milestone each year, it’s just one moment in the broader movement for gender equality.
We’re seeing progress in:
- Female representation in politics (although women still hold just 26.7% of parliamentary seats worldwide).
- Equal pay movements gaining momentum in various industries.
- Increased awareness around workplace harassment and the impact of the #MeToo movement.
- More women breaking into male-dominated fields like STEM, finance, and leadership.
But challenges remain. The gender pay gap persists, women’s reproductive rights are still under attack in some regions, and violence against women continues to be a major global issue.
The only way forward is collective action.
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