History of International Women's Day
International Women’s Day has been observed for more than a century since its dawn in 1911. The day recognizes the social, economic, and political achievements of women around the world. The day is to be considered a call to action for gender parity.
According to an article written by USA Today, the oldest record of a women’s day celebration was when, “The leader of the Women’s Office for the Social Democratic Party in Germany, Clara Zetkin, suggested a celebration in every country on the same day for women to “press for their demands.”
This Women’s Day was first observed on March 19, 1911, in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. Campaigns across Europe against WWI inspired women in other countries to adopt International Women’s Day.”
Throughout history women have struggled to gain equality globally in all factions of life. International women’s day, and women’s month are meant to highlight the achievements of women despite the constraints governments, and societies have placed onto them.
The holiday is meant to remind us to reflect on progress made towards gender equality, to broaden the call to change, and celebrate the female change-makers both of the past, present and future.
While many nations have made broad advances towards gender parity, no country has ever truly achieved gender equality.
