What It Means and How We Celebrate

The Backstory of International Women’s Day

The Start of It All

Imagine 15,000 women, back in 1908, hitting the streets of New York City, demanding shorter work hours, better pay, and the right to vote. This was the spark that ignited International Women’s Day (IWD). The next year, the Socialist Party of America threw the first National Woman’s Day party. Then, in 1910, Clara Zetkin, who was big on fighting for women’s rights, suggested making it an international affair at a big meeting with other women who also wanted to make changes. So, in 1911, Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland started celebrating IWD, kicking off a worldwide tradition of giving props to women and pushing for equal rights.

Why March 8th?

The date, March 8th, was picked because of a major event in Russia in 1917, where women protested for “bread and peace,” which played a big part in changing the country’s politics. This date helps everyone around the world come together to focus on women’s rights and equality.

Celebrations Around the Globe

Different Strokes for Different Folks

IWD is a big deal in many countries, and how it’s celebrated varies. For example, in China, women get a half-day off work. In Italy, people give out mimosa flowers. In Russia, flower sales go through the roof, and in the United States, the whole month of March is dedicated to celebrating women’s history. These traditions show how important the day is worldwide and the many ways people honor women’s contributions.

What the Colors Mean

The colors of IWD – purple, green, and white – stand for justice, dignity, hope, and purity. These colors go way back to the Women’s Social and Political Union in the UK and remind us of the long battle for women’s rights and the ongoing fight for gender equality.

The Focus for 2024: “Invest in Women” and “Inspire Inclusion”

Big Themes This Year

For 2024, there are two main messages. The United Nations is saying, “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” highlighting the need to support gender equality, especially with all the conflicts and economic issues happening. At the same time, the theme “Inspire Inclusion,” from the International Women’s Day website, is all about knocking down barriers and making sure women are appreciated and included everywhere.

Why We Still Need International Women’s Day

It’s Still Relevant

International Women’s Day isn’t just a day to clap for what women have achieved; it’s also a time to shine a light on the problems that still exist, like women’s rights getting knocked down, gender violence, and the fight for equality in many places. It’s a day to raise awareness and push for changes, showing that the struggle for women’s rights is still very much a global issue.

Get the lowdown on International Women’s Day, celebrated worldwide on March 8th. Find out how it started, how different places mark the day, what the colors represent, and what 2024’s themes are all about, underlining the importance of backing women and pushing for inclusivity.

FAQs About International Women’s Day

1. Why was March 8th chosen as International Women’s Day?

March 8th was selected to commemorate the day when Russian women protested for “bread and peace” in 1917, leading to significant political change. This date now unites people across the globe in recognizing and advocating for women’s rights and equality.

2. What are the official colors of International Women’s Day, and what do they symbolize?

The official colors are purple, green, and white. Purple stands for justice and dignity, green symbolizes hope, and white represents purity. These colors trace back to the Women’s Social and Political Union in the UK, signifying the long journey and ongoing fight for women‘s rights and gender equality.

3. How do different countries celebrate International Women’s Day?

Celebrations vary worldwide, reflecting each culture’s unique recognition of women’s contributions. For instance, women receive a half-day off in China, mimosa blossoms are exchanged in Italy, Russia experiences a surge in flower sales, and the United States dedicates the entire month of March to Women’s History.

4. What are the themes for International Women’s Day in 2024?

The themes for 2024 are “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” put forward by the United Nations, focusing on the need for gender equality amid current challenges, and “Inspire Inclusion,” promoted by the International Women’s Day website, urging the breaking down of barriers to create environments where women are valued and included.

5. Why is International Women’s Day still important?

International Women’s Day serves as a crucial platform for celebrating women’s achievements and highlighting ongoing issues such as the erosion of women’s rights, gender violence, and the struggle for equality in various parts of the world. It’s a day to raise awareness, advocate for change, and remind us that the fight for women‘s rights is a global concern.

Sources BBC