International Womens Day

International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated globally on March 8th every year, honoring the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The roots of IWD trace back to the early 20th century, a period marked by significant social upheaval and the burgeoning women's rights movement.

The first National Woman's Day was observed in the United States on February 28, 1909, organized by the Socialist Party of America to honor the 1908 garment workers' strike in New York, where women protested against poor working conditions. The following year, at the second International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen, socialist leaders Clara Zetkin, Käte Duncker, and others proposed the idea of an International Women's Day, which was unanimously accepted. The first International Women's Day was celebrated on March 19, 1911, in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland, with rallies attended by over a million people demanding women's rights to work, vote, be trained, and hold public office.

**Expansion and Recognition**

The momentum continued to build in the following years. In 1913, March 8 was officially adopted as International Women's Day, and it has remained the global date of celebration ever since. The day also became a platform to protest World War I and promote peace.

The 1960s and 1970s saw a resurgence in the women's movement, with International Women's Day becoming a focal point for the feminist movement. In 1975, during International Women's Year, the United Nations began celebrating IWD on March 8th. Two years later, in December 1977, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming a United Nations Day for Women's Rights and International Peace to be observed on any day of the year by its member states, in accordance with their historical and national traditions.

**Modern Celebrations and Impact**

Today, International Women's Day is recognized and celebrated worldwide. The day not only honors the achievements of women but also serves as a call to action for accelerating gender parity. Each year, IWD adopts a specific theme. Recent themes have included "Choose to Challenge" (2021), "Break the Bias" (2022), and "Embrace Equity" (2023), focusing on combating biases and advocating for a more inclusive world.

Celebrations take various forms, from marches and rallies to conferences and cultural performances, highlighting women's contributions to society and ongoing challenges in achieving gender equality. Governments, organizations, and communities participate in events, discussions, and initiatives to support women's rights and gender equality.

**Conclusion**

International Women's Day has evolved significantly since its inception over a century ago. It has grown from a series of small gatherings and protests into a globally recognized day that celebrates women's achievements and highlights the ongoing struggle for gender equality. The history of IWD is a testament to the resilience and determination of women worldwide, continuously pushing for progress and equality.

The 1960s and 1970s saw a resurgence in the women's movement, with International Women's Day becoming a focal point for the feminist movement. In 1975, during International Women's Year, the United Nations began celebrating IWD on March 8th. Two years later, in December 1977, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming a United Nations Day for Women's Rights and International Peace to be observed on any day of the year by its member states, in accordance with their historical and national traditions.

International Women's Day has evolved significantly since its inception over a century ago. It has grown from a series of small gatherings and protests into a globally recognized day that celebrates women's achievements and highlights the ongoing struggle for gender equality. The history of IWD is a testament to the resilience and determination of women worldwide, continuously pushing for progress and equality.

The 1960s and 1970s saw a resurgence in the women's movement, with International Women's Day becoming a focal point for the feminist movement. In 1975, during International Women's Year, the United Nations began celebrating IWD on March 8th. Two years later, in December 1977, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming a United Nations Day for Women's Rights and International Peace to be observed on any day of the year by its member states, in accordance with their historical and national traditions.