International Women's Day
This day commemorates and advocates for the advancement of women throughout the world.
This day commemorates and advocates for the advancement of women throughout the world.
Renee Harleston
Reviewer URLOrigin
The Socialist Party of America declared the first Women's Day on February 28th, 1909. At the second International Conference of Working Women in 1910, German activist Clara Zetkin proposed the concept of an international women's day. The measure was unanimously approved. In 1911, citizens of Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland celebrated International Women's Day for the first time. Celebrants marched, organized and ran workshops about discrimination, suffrage and other relevant issues.
In 1914, International Women's Day was held on March 8th for the first time. March 8th has remained International Women's Day ever since.
Throughout its history, International Women's Day has been tied to activism, labor rights and political activism. In 1975, the United Nations began celebrating March 8 as International Women’s Day. The U.N. marks each International Women's Day with an annual theme related to women's issues. In 2022, the theme was "gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow."
Although not an official holiday in the United States, International Women's Day is a national holiday in countries all over the world.
Traditions
International Women's Day is celebrated with visibility campaigns, political teach-ins and organized action.
Outside of the U.S., in countries like Russia and South Korea, International Women's Day is a day to recognize the women in your life. People celebrate by giving cards and gifts to the women that are important to them.
What to say
"Happy International Women's Day" is a fine greeting. International Women's Day is a good day to support the political power of women and their unique place in history. It is also a good time to honor the women in your own life.