We explain what International Women’s Day is, what its origin is and how it is celebrated. In addition, its important commemorations and its demands today.
What is International Women’s Day?
International Women’s Day, also known as 8M, is celebrated every March 8 around the world to commemorate women’s struggle for equal rights. It is a date on which the social, cultural, economic and political achievements of women are celebrated, while making visible the inequalities and violence they still face in different parts of the world.
The origin of this commemoration is linked to the feminist movements of the early 20th century in Europe and the United States, which fought for the recognition of their labor rights. Throughout history, key events such as the textile workers’ strikes in the United States and the demonstrations in Russia in 1917 consolidated this date as a symbol of resistance and social change. You must read about Prime numbers once.
In many societies, women achieved recognition of their fundamental rights, such as suffrage, equality before the law and equal access to education and work. However, International Women’s Day remains essential to make visible the problems that still persist in various areas, such as the wage gap, low political representation and gender violence.
Origin of International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day has its roots in the social and labor struggles of women that took place at the beginning of the 20th century. Its origin is marked by key historical events that reflect the difficult labor and social conditions faced by women in different parts of the world.
Among the most important historical milestones linked to International Women’s Day are:
- Proposal in the United States (1909): The National Women’s Committee of the Socialist Party of the United States proposed celebrating Women’s Day on the last Sunday of February to raise awareness of the labor and political oppression suffered by women.
- First celebration in the United States (February 28, 1909): The Socialist Party organized mobilizations throughout the country in honor of the strikes of workers in Chicago and New York in 1857.
- Shirtwaist strike in New York (November 23, 1909-February 1910): A group of workers, mostly immigrants, led a strike demanding better wages, decent hours, and safe working conditions.
- Fire at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory (March 25, 1911): A tragic fire in New York claimed the lives of 146 people, mostly young immigrant women, highlighting the precarious working conditions.
- First commemoration in Europe (1911): Germany, Denmark and Switzerland celebrated Working Women’s Day for the first time, highlighting the fight for women’s suffrage and labor rights.
- First celebration in Russia (1913): Working Women’s Day was commemorated in Russia, highlighting the connection with international feminist movements.
- First joint celebration on March 8 (1914): Women’s organizations in Germany, Denmark, Switzerland and Russia chose this date to unify their commemorations.
- Officialization in the Soviet Union (1930): The Soviet Union was one of the first countries to officially adopt March 8 as Women’s Day, to highlight the achievements of women’s emancipation and align them with communist ideals of equality.
- Expansion in Latin America (1960s-1970s): In the 1960s and 1970s, International Women’s Day began to be celebrated in Latin America, driven by feminist movements in countries such as Argentina and Mexico.
- Global recognition by the UN (1977): The UN invited member countries to officially establish a day to honor the struggle of women, thus establishing the event worldwide.
How is International Women’s Day celebrated?
International Women’s Day celebrations vary in different parts of the world and reflect the situation of women in different cultures and social contexts. Some of the most common forms of commemoration include:
- Marches and demonstrations. In many cities, thousands of people participate in mobilizations to demand equality, justice and an end to gender violence.
- Cultural and educational events. Exhibitions, conferences and plays are held that highlight the historical and contemporary struggles of women.
- Digital campaigns. Social media is filled with messages, hashtags and activities aimed at raising awareness and sharing women’s stories.
In some countries, such as Spain, Argentina and Mexico, the 8M demonstrations are especially massive, with mass marches in large cities such as Madrid, Buenos Aires and Mexico City. In contrast, in other countries such as Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan, women’s rights are severely restricted and public commemorations are limited or outright prohibited. Maybe you should definitely read about Postal code once.
Important commemorations
In recent years, some International Women’s Day celebrations have stood out for their impact or special meaning:
- Spain (2018)- This year is remembered as “the feminist strike.” Millions of women stopped working, both in formal jobs and in domestic tasks, to make their fundamental role in society visible.
- Argentina (2017)- Under the slogan “Not One Less,” the 8M mobilizations took on a special character in the fight against femicides and gender violence, spreading to several Latin American countries.
- Mexico (2020)- More than 80,000 women marched in Mexico City under the slogan “A rapist in your path,” an artistic intervention that quickly became international. This act of protest against sexual violence had a great impact worldwide and became a feminist anthem.
- Poland (2020)- Polish women organised one of the largest protests in the country’s recent history, in response to an abortion ban. The demonstrations were massive and 8M served as a platform to demand reproductive rights and autonomy over their bodies.
Current demands on International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day remains a key space for the fight for women’s rights, covering various issues that affect their daily lives. Some of the main demands today revolve around the following issues:
Gender violence
Gender violence, including femicide, sexual harassment and domestic violence, continues to be a serious concern. In countries such as Mexico, where violence against women is on the rise, women are demanding more effective reforms and public policies that ensure real protection.
Legal, safe and free abortion
Access to abortion remains a crucial demand, especially in countries where it is illegal or restricted. For example, in El Salvador, abortion is completely prohibited, and in Poland very severe restrictions have been implemented, which has generated massive protests and a strong movement for decriminalization.
Equal pay
The gender pay gap persists in much of the world. In countries such as Saudi Arabia, where women face severe restrictions on their participation in the workforce, and in many Latin American countries, such as Brazil, the fight for fair pay remains central to the 8M mobilizations.
Political participation
Women continue to fight for greater participation in politics. In countries such as Afghanistan, where the Taliban regime has restricted women’s access to education and politics, international mobilization seeks to empower women and ensure their presence in decision-making spaces.
Education
The right to equal education is fundamental to the empowerment of women. In countries such as Afghanistan and in some regions of sub-Saharan Africa, where girls do not have access to education or face significant obstacles, the fight for education is a key pillar of the feminist struggle.
Labor rights
Women’s working and social conditions remain a matter of struggle, especially in countries with labor systems that do not adequately protect women workers. In India, many women in the textile industry face long working hours and low wages, leading to major protests in defence of their labour and social rights.
Restrictions on International Women’s Day
In several countries, celebrations of International Women’s Day are banned or face serious restrictions due to political, social or religious norms. These countries often have authoritarian, conservative or fundamentalist governments that control the public expression of human rights, including women’s rights.
In Iran, for example, the Islamic regime prevents any kind of public demonstration linked to women’s rights, and 8M celebrations are seen as a threat to the government. In Afghanistan, under the Taliban regime, women are not allowed to organise or participate in celebrations related to International Women’s Day.
In Saudi Arabia and certain states in Pakistan, 8M celebrations are also restricted due to dominant religious norms.
In these countries, any event related to women’s rights can be seen as a challenge to traditional patriarchal structures. However, activists continue to fight for their rights underground, under the risk of severe reprisals, arrests and other forms of violence.
