International Women's Day

Short History of Women’s Day

In accordance with a declaration by the Socialist Party of America, the first National Woman's Day (NWD) was observed across the United States on February 28, 1909.

In 1910 Clara Zetkin (Leader of the 'Women's Office' for the Social Democratic Party in Germany) tabled the idea of an International Women's Day, at the International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen.

The conference of over 100 women from 17 countries, representing unions, socialist parties, working women's clubs - and including the first three women elected to the Finnish parliament - unanimously approved the suggestion and thus International Women's Day was the result.

This Women's Day was first observed on March 19, 1911, in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. The date of observance moved to March 8 in 1913.

In the early years, International Women's Day was connected with working women's rights.

The United Nations celebrated International Women's Day for the first time in 1975 and started the tradition of an annual theme in 1996, according to the official website.

What colors symbolize International Women's Day?

Purple, green, and white are the colors of International Women's Day. Purple signifies justice and dignity. Green symbolizes hope. White represents purity, albeit a controversial concept. The colors originated from the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) in the UK in 1908.

The Campaign Theme for International Women's Day 2021 is 'Choose To Challenge'. A challenged world is an alert world. And from challenge comes change.

Fact

Women are still not paid equally to that of their male counterparts, women still are not present in equal numbers in business or politics, and globally women's education, health and the violence against them is worse than that of men.

We have female astronauts and prime ministers, school girls are welcomed into university, women can work and have a family, women have real choices. And so each year the world inspires women and celebrates their achievements.

Make a difference, think globally, and act locally! Make everyday International Women's Day. Do your bit to ensure that the future for girls is bright, equal, safe, and rewarding.

References

About International Women's Day. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.internationalwomensday.com/About

Calling women typographers worldwide to choose to challenge. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.internationalwomensday.com/Missions/15604/Calling-women-typographers-worldwide-to-choose-to-challenge

Free Press Journal Correspondant. (n.d.). International Women's Day 2018: Wishes, messages to share on WhatsApp, Facebook and SMS. Retrieved from https://www.freepressjournal.in/cmcm/international-womens-day-2018-wishes-messages-to-share-on-whatsapp-facebook-and-sms

Lewis, J. J. (n.d.). Learn the Reason Why International Women's Day Is so Important. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/international-womens-day-3529400#:~:text=International Women's Day was first celebrated on March,1909, declared by the Socialist Party of America.