A View Into the Beginning of International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day started as a strong demand for equality rather than a feel-good celebration. Early in the 1900s, women all around were living under great disparity. They couldn’t vote, had few to no legal rights, and were frequently caught in dangerous, underpaid manufacturing employment. This set off campaigns for social change.
Observed in the United States on February 28, 1909, the first National Women Day was coordinated by the Socialist Party of America. But the turning moment came in 1910 when German feminist Clara Zetkin suggested the worldwide women’s day at the International Socialist Women’s Conference held in Copenhagen. More than a hundred ladies from seventeen different nations approved of her idea.
Celebrated in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland with around a million participants in demonstrations, the first recognized International Women’s Day was observed a year later, in 1911 These events demanded women’s rights to vote, hold office, and operate free from discrimination.
Originally intimately related to labor movements and suffrage campaigns, the day changed following the official UN recognition in 1977 to become a worldwide day of awareness and action.
Key lesson: Originally a revolutionary movement, International Women Day is still a forum for worldwide change.
Why International Women’s Day Still Matters Today
Many people ask why we still need this day even if women today have rights. The solution is found in the continuous gender disparity in numerous spheres.
Even today:
For the same work, women earn less than males.
In politics and industry, they comprise just a tiny fraction of top positions.
Girls still fight for access to fundamental education in many different countries.
Violence based on gender afflicts millions of women.
International Women’s Day is important since these problems never vanish. It reminds us that although equality is still a target rather than a certainty. The day honors successes, increases awareness of issues, and coordinates efforts toward long-lasting transformation.
This day is used by governments, companies, educational institutions, and local communities to assess their development, create fresh objectives, and implement policies meant to close the gender disparity.
The important lesson is that this day reminds society that everyone gains from gender equality and keeps the dialogue going.
Sustainable Fashion: An Ignored Feminist Issue Usually
Let us discuss fashion, something you might not immediately relate with gender rights. Over 75 million individuals work in the worldwide fashion business, 80% of them are women most of them work in underdeveloped nations underpaid and under dangerous conditions.
Here sustainable fashion crosses with women’s rights.
Many quick fashion companies depend on a supply chain that:
Underpays employees, including women.
exposes them to threats to their health.
Provides neither legal protection or job stability.
On the other hand, sustainable fashion stresses:
Fair pay
safe workplace conditions
Ecological manufacturing
empowerment of female artists and craftspeople
Many events on International Women Day highlight how moral consumer decisions can empower women and advance environmental and social justice.
Key lesson: Purchasing from sustainable companies is a little deed with great influence that supports women’s equality and helps to save our earth.
Celebrations of International Women Day Around the World
Now observed and celebrated in more than 100 nations with unique styles is International Women’s Day.
Here are some ways some places mark the day:
Events in Australia and Canada centre on legislative change, women’s safety, and rights of indigenous women.
Women in Italy get mimosa flowers, a symbol of togetherness and fortitude.
Rallies in the Philippines demand environmental legislation, equal pay, and worker protections.
Conferences, networking gatherings, and school assemblies in the US and the UK celebrate female leadership and creativity.
In certain African countries, community leaders spend the day pushing for healthcare, education, and a stop to child marriage.
These days, social media also is really important. Globally, hashtags such as #EmbraceEquity and #EachForEqual inspire people and companies to share projects, statistics, and stories.
Key lesson: The fundamental point is the same—women’s rights are human rights—even if their celebration differs.
Why Everybody Should Celebrate International Women’s Day
Though some may believe this is “just a women’s issue,” that is far from the reality.
Regarding women:
Whole communities that are educated thrive.
Paid fairly, local economy flourish.
Companies flourish under the direction of executives who present possibilities.
Protected legally, family and futures are safer.
International Women Day is important to everyone since a more fair, inclusive, and equitable society helps all sexes. Men, women, and non-binary people have a part to contribute in dispelling preconceptions, supporting equal rights, and establishing inclusive workplaces both at home and at business.
It’s about women with men, building a better world for next generations, not about women against men.
Important lesson: Equality is not a concern unique to women. Everybody has responsibilities.
FAQs
Who decides the theme for International Women’s Day each year?
The annual theme is typically selected by organizations like the United Nations or InternationalWomensDay.com to reflect global priorities and inspire collective action.
Is International Women’s Day a public holiday?
In some countries, yes. Nations like Uganda, and Nepal recognize it as an official holiday, while others observe it with events, campaigns, or educational programs.
Can men participate in International Women’s Day events?
Absolutely. Men are encouraged to support and advocate for gender equality. Their involvement helps challenge stereotypes and create more inclusive environments for everyone.
Are there specific symbols associated with International Women’s Day?
Yes. Along with the color purple, symbols like the Venus sign (♀) and flowers—especially mimosa—are often used to represent femininity and solidarity.
Final Thoughts: Why Today Still Matters in 2025
International Women’s Day keeps raising awareness, change, and solidarity from a bold movement in 1911 to a worldwide campaign in 2025.
This day reminds us that change isn’t automatic—from bettering working conditions to empowering women in STEM to endorsing sustainable fashion. It requires effort; it also requires all of us.
International Women Day will remain a critical tool connecting the past, present, and future of justice as the globe addresses social inequity, digital innovation, and climate change. Visit for more.
