March 8 marks International Women’s Day (IWD), a global occasion that celebrates women’s achievements and highlights the challenges women continue to face in society.
Observed around the world, it remains one of the most important platforms for recognising progress, calling for equality, and amplifying women’s voices.
If you’re not sure how to celebrate International Women’s Day, you’re in the right place. Below, we’ll explore how IWD began and share meaningful, practical ways to celebrate that truly make an impact.
History of International Women’s Day.
To understand International Women’s Day, we need to go back to the early 20th century. At that time, women’s rights were severely restricted. In many places, women couldn’t vote, had limited access to education, and faced widespread discrimination in the workplace.
Despite these barriers, women were already organising, marching, and speaking out for equal rights and better working conditions, and the movement was gaining momentum.
On February 8, 1909, the Socialist Party of America organised the first National Women’s Day in the United States.
The following year, in 1910, Clara Zetkin, a prominent German women’s rights activist, proposed making it an international event. Her idea was accepted, and on March 19, 1911, Austria, Denmark, Switzerland, and Germany marked the first International Women’s Day.
Soon after, Russia joined for the first time on February 23, 1913. Because Russia was still using the Julian calendar, that date aligned with March 8 on the Gregorian calendar used in most other countries.
Over time, March 8 became the widely recognised date for International Women’s Day as more nations joined in.
In 1975, the United Nations officially recognized International Women’s Day, and that year was declared the International Women’s Year. In 1996, the UN introduced annual themes for International Women’s Day to guide each year’s celebration.
How to celebrate International Women’s Day
Here are some fulfilling International Women’s Day activities for you:
Attend or host a workshop.
On International Women’s Day, many organizations and companies host conferences or talks about the current state of women’s affairs. These discussions largely focus on current issues and possible solutions to the gender gap.
If your school or organization isn’t hosting an International Women’s Day program, you can plan one yourself. This way, you can create a meaningful impact within your social circle.
Join an International Women’s Day march.
Some cities host marches on International Women’s Day that attract thousands of people. During these rallies, people take to the streets with placards calling for better policies to improve the lives of women around the world.
You can check your local publications for news about a march happening near you to join in.
Appreciate a woman who has inspired you.
From mothers to sisters, friends, and teachers, we all have at least one woman who has positively impacted our lives. For International Women’s Day, you can simply let them know how much they mean to you.
Simple gestures such as writing them a heartfelt note or sending a bouquet are great ways to show your appreciation.
International Women’s Day FAQs
Is International Women’s Day a public holiday?
It depends on where you live.
In some countries, International Women’s Day is an official public holiday. Examples include Armenia, Belarus, Cambodia, Russia, and Ukraine.
In China, it is an official observance, and women are typically entitled to half a day off work, although how it’s applied can vary by employer and local guidance.
In other places, including the United States and the United Kingdom, International Women’s Day is widely recognised and celebrated, but it is not a statutory public holiday, so there is no automatic day off.
Who can celebrate International Women’s Day?
International Women’s Day is for everyone. While it centers on women’s achievements and the challenges women still face, anyone can take part in the celebration and support the message behind it.
Men and boys are encouraged to participate as allies too, whether that means listening, learning, speaking up for equality, or supporting women in practical, everyday ways.
Is there an International Men’s Day?
Yes. International Men’s Day is observed every year on November 19.
It highlights positive male role models, recognises men’s contributions, and raises awareness of issues that can affect men and boys, including health and wellbeing.
5 Facts About International Women’s Day
In Italy, it’s traditional for men to give women bright yellow mimosa flowers on March 8 as a sign of solidarity and appreciation.
In Russia in 1917, women-led protests on International Women’s Day helped spark the February Revolution, and women were granted the right to vote later that year.
One of the largest International Women’s Day demonstrations took place in Spain in 2018. Over 5 million women went on strike for a day and took to the streets.
Women’s History Month is officially recognised in the United States each March, and it’s also widely observed in March in countries such as the UK, Australia, and Germany.
The official colors for International Women’s Day are purple, green, and white. Purple represents justice and dignity, green symbolizes hope, and white signifies purity.
In Conclusion
International Women’s Day has been celebrated for more than a century, and it continues to shine a light on women’s achievements and ongoing inequality.
It’s also a reminder that progress takes steady effort, whether that’s in voting rights, safety, education, or opportunity.
Even with major steps forward, equality still looks different depending on where you live. That’s why International Women’s Day remains just as relevant today.