International Women’s Day, on March 8th, is a day to celebrate all the amazing things women have done in the world. It’s also a time to talk about how women still don’t have the same rights as men in many places. We use this day to remember the hard work of women in the past and to ask for a better future whereeveryone is treated equally, despite their gender.

How did it all start?

The celebration of International Women’s Day has roots in the early 20th century, stemming from labor movements in North America and Europe. The movement was spurred by the push for women’s rights, particularly the right to vote and better working conditions. In 1908, women garment workers in New York City went on strike, protesting poor working conditions. This event was a significant impact to the establishment of a dedicated day.  In 1909, the Socialist Party of America designated the first National Woman’s Day on February 28th, in honor of the 1908 strike.

In 1910, Clara Zetkin, a German activist, proposed the idea of an International Women’s Day at the International Socialist Congress in Copenhagen. The proposal was unanimously approved, leading to the first International Women’s Day celebrations in 1911 in several European countries.
 The date of March 8th became solidified after women in Russia strike for bread and peace in 1917.

How different country celebrate this day

It’s fascinating how International Women’s Day takes on different flavors across the globe. Different countries have their own way of celebrating this day.

• Italy: In Italy, “La Festa della Donna” is marked by gifting yellow mimosa flowers, symbolizing strength and solidarity. Being a food-oriented country, youll find cakes and pasta created with vibrant yellow colors to resemble the flower!
• Russia: In Russia, the day is celebrated with a similar spirit to Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day, with widespread gift-giving of flowers and chocolates.
• China: In China it’s a national holiday, and in some cases women are given a half day off of work.
• Countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia: In many of these nations, International Women’s Day is a public holiday, with widespread celebrations and the giving of gifts.
• Global celebration: Regardless of specific traditions, there’s a global emphasis on using IWD to advocate for gender equality and raise awareness about women’s rights. Celebrate women’s achievements through rallies, conferences, and social media campaigns.

This years theme for women’s day is For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment, calls for actions to unlock equal rights, power and opportunities for all women and girls, for a future where no one is left behind. Empowering youth, particularly young women and girls is central to this vision.