INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

International Women's Day (IWD) stands as a global celebration, occurring annually on March 8, dedicated to highlighting and advocating for women's rights. This significant day focuses on issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and the prevention of violence and abuse against women. The origins of IWD trace back to the early 20th century, emerging from labor movements in North America and Europe. The universal female suffrage movement played a pivotal role in shaping the context for the celebration.

The initial instance of a Women's Day occurred in 1909 when the Socialist Party of America organized an event in New York City on February 28. This event laid the groundwork for the proposal at the 1910 International Socialist Women's Conference in Germany, suggesting the organization of a special Women's Day annually, though without a fixed date. Subsequently, the first demonstrations and commemorations of International Women's Day took place across Europe the following year.

The association of IWD with March 8 became prominent after women gained suffrage during the Russian Provisional Government in 1917, leading to the declaration of IWD as a national holiday on that date. Over time, it was celebrated on March 8 by socialist and communist movements and countries. The holiday remained closely tied to far-left movements and governments until the late 1960s when it was embraced by the global feminist movement.

The United Nations officially adopted International Women's Day in 1977, solidifying its status as a mainstream global holiday. This recognition underscores the importance of the day in promoting the achievements of women worldwide. IWD has also become a public holiday in several countries, further emphasizing its significance.

The UN observes International Women's Day in connection with specific issues, campaigns, or themes related to women's rights. In some regions, the day still reflects its political origins, marked by protests and calls for radical change. However, in other areas, particularly in the West, the celebration has taken on a sociocultural tone, centering on the positive aspects of womanhood and accomplishments. Thus, International Women's Day serves as a multifaceted occasion, encompassing both its historical roots in activism and its contemporary celebration of women's contributions to society.

HISTORY

The origins of International Women's Day (IWD) can be traced back to the early 20th century, with the earliest reported Women's Day event, called "National Woman's Day," taking place on February 28, 1909, in New York City. This event was organized by the Socialist Party of America, following the suggestion of activist Theresa Malkiel. It is essential to note that claims linking the day to a protest by women garment workers in New York on March 8, 1857, have been contested, with researchers asserting that this narrative is a myth intended to detach International Women's Day from its socialist roots.

In August 1910, an International Socialist Women's Conference was organized in Copenhagen, Denmark, ahead of the general meeting of the Socialist Second International. The tragic event that marked a turning point in the modern celebration of International Women's Day occurred on March 25, 1911, when a fire broke out at the Triangle Shirtwaist factory in New York City. The fire claimed the lives of 146 young workers, predominantly immigrants, and inspired a renewed commitment to the fight for women's rights.

German delegates at the International Socialist Women's Conference, including Clara Zetkin, Käte Duncker, and Paula Thiede, were inspired by American socialists and proposed the establishment of an annual "Women's Day," although no specific date was set. This proposal was supported by 100 delegates from 17 countries, seeing it as a strategic move to advocate for equal rights, including women's suffrage.

The first International Women's Day was observed on March 19, 1911, with over a million people participating in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. In Austria-Hungary alone, there were 300 demonstrations, with women parading on the Ringstrasse in Vienna, carrying banners honoring the martyrs of the Paris Commune. Throughout Europe, women rallied for the right to vote, to hold public office, and protested against employment sex discrimination.

Initially, International Women's Day had no fixed date, but it was generally celebrated in late February or early March. In the United States, "National Women's Day" continued to be observed on the last Sunday in February, while Russia marked International Women's Day for the first time in 1913, on the last Saturday in February (according to the Julian calendar, as opposed to the Gregorian calendar, where the date was March 8). In 1914, Germany observed International Women's Day on March 8 for the first time, possibly because that date fell on a Sunday. Germany's observance was particularly dedicated to women's right to vote, a right that German women did not achieve until 1918.

Simultaneously, in 1914, there was a march in London in support of women's suffrage, during which Sylvia Pankhurst was arrested in front of Charing Cross station on her way to speak in Trafalgar Square. These events highlight the diverse and interconnected historical roots of International Women's Day, reflecting the global momentum for women's rights during that period.

EARLY DEVELOPMENT IN THE USSR AND OTHER COMMUNIST NATIONS

The early development of International Women's Day (IWD) in the USSR and other communist nations is closely linked to historical events, social movements, and the political ideologies of the time.

The catalyst for the recognition and celebration of IWD in Soviet Russia can be traced back to March 8, 1917 (February 23, 1917, on the Julian calendar). In Petrograd, women textile workers initiated a demonstration demanding "Bread and Peace," signaling their opposition to World War I, food shortages, and the existing czarist regime. This event marked the onset of the February Revolution, a precursor to the October Revolution, collectively constituting the second Russian Revolution. Leon Trotsky, a revolutionary leader, noted that the demonstration on March 8, originally planned for International Women's Day, unexpectedly evolved into a pivotal moment, contributing to the broader revolution. The aftermath saw the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II, and the provisional government granted women the right to vote.

In 1917, Bolshevik leaders Alexandra Kollontai and Vladimir Lenin officially designated International Women's Day as a holiday in the Soviet Union. Over time, the significance of IWD in the Soviet context evolved, and on May 8, 1965, the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet declared it a non-working day in the USSR. The decision aimed to commemorate the remarkable contributions of Soviet women in various spheres, including communist construction, defense during the Great Patriotic War, heroism, and selflessness on the front lines and in the rear. Additionally, the recognition acknowledged the role of women in fostering friendship between nations and their involvement in the global struggle for peace.

Following its official adoption in Soviet Russia, International Women's Day became a key celebration in communist countries and within the global communist movement. In 1936, during the Spanish Civil War, communist leader Dolores Ibárruri led a women's march in Madrid as part of the IWD observance. In China, the holiday gained traction early on, with Chinese communists recognizing it from 1922. By 1927, Guangzhou witnessed a significant march involving 25,000 women and male supporters, representing various political entities, including the Kuomintang, the YWCA, and labor organizations.

The People's Republic of China, established on October 1, 1949, officially embraced International Women's Day. On December 23 of the same year, the State Council declared March 8 as an official holiday, granting women a half-day off. This move emphasized the government's acknowledgment of the role of women in the communist revolution and their ongoing contributions to the nation's development.

In summary, the early development of International Women's Day in the USSR and other communist nations is closely tied to significant historical events, revolutions, and the integration of feminist and socialist principles into the political ideologies of these societies. The recognition and celebration of women's contributions were central to the narrative of social progress and equality within the context of communist movements.

ADOPTION BY UNTED NATIONS

The adoption of International Women's Day (IWD) by the United Nations marks a significant shift in its trajectory from being predominantly associated with communist celebrations to becoming a global day of activism. Until around 1967, IWD had been primarily celebrated as a communist holiday. However, during this period, the day saw a resurgence as second-wave feminists took up its cause, reclaiming it as a day of activism.

In Europe, IWD is sometimes referred to as the "Women's International Day of Struggle," reflecting its renewed emphasis on activism. During the 1970s and 1980s, women's groups were joined by leftists and labor organizations in advocating for a range of issues, including equal pay, equal economic opportunity, equal legal rights, reproductive rights, subsidized child care, and the prevention of violence against women. This period witnessed a broadening of the scope of issues addressed on International Women's Day, aligning with the evolving goals of the feminist and women's rights movements.

The United Nations officially began celebrating International Women's Day in 1975, which had been proclaimed the International Women's Year. In 1977, the United Nations General Assembly extended an invitation to member states to proclaim March 8 as an official UN holiday for women's rights and world peace. This move by the UN marked a crucial step in the global recognition of IWD as an occasion to address and advocate for women's rights on an international scale.

Since its adoption by the United Nations, International Women's Day has been commemorated annually by the UN and much of the world. Each year's observance is typically centered on a particular theme or issue within the broader context of women's rights. This thematic approach helps bring attention to specific challenges or achievements related to gender equality, reproductive rights, and other pertinent issues.

However, it's important to note that the celebration of International Women's Day has not been without challenges. In Tehran, Iran, on March 4, 2007, violence erupted when police beat hundreds of men and women who were planning to hold a rally in observance of International Women's Day. A similar rally had taken place in Tehran in 2003. Following the 2007 incident, dozens of women were arrested, and some were released after several days of solitary confinement and interrogation. Activists like Shadi Sadr, Mahbubeh Abbasgholizadeh, and others engaged in community activism were released on March 19, 2007, ending a fifteen-day hunger strike. These events underscore the ongoing struggles faced by women's rights advocates in various parts of the world and the significance of International Women's Day as a platform for addressing and challenging such issues.

ADOPTION BY CORPORATIONS

In the twenty-first century, International Women's Day (IWD) has faced criticism for what some perceive as dilution and commercialization, particularly in Western contexts where major corporations sponsor and promote the day. Critics argue that the day has become less focused on advocating for radical social reforms and more on general and vague notions of equality. The commercialization of IWD has led to its association with marketing campaigns and corporate sponsorship, raising concerns about the authenticity and impact of the celebration.

One notable development is the establishment of the website internationalwomensday.com in 2001. This website, while not officially connected to the United Nations project on International Women's Day, has played a significant role in shaping the way the day is observed. Managed by the British marketing firm Aurora Ventures and featuring corporate sponsorship, the website sets out a yearly theme and hashtags for International Women's Day. These themes are often disconnected from the original goals of the UN project, contributing to the perception of a diluted and commercialized celebration.

The use of hashtags and themes promoted by the website has become a common practice associated with International Women's Day. While hashtags can be powerful tools for raising awareness and promoting discussion, their use in the context of IWD has been criticized for simplifying complex issues and turning them into trendy slogans. This shift from a focus on substantive issues to easily shareable and marketable content has raised questions about the depth of engagement with women's rights concerns during the celebration.

In addition to online trends, International Women's Day in the corporate world is often marked by business breakfasts and social media communications. These events may include messages and gestures that, according to some social critics, can be reminiscent of the way Mother's Day is celebrated. This comparison underscores the concern that the original intentions of International Women's Day, rooted in activism and advocating for meaningful social change, may be overshadowed by commercial interests and superficial gestures.

While the involvement of corporations and the use of social media can contribute to the visibility of International Women's Day, critics argue that these efforts may sometimes lack a substantive commitment to addressing systemic issues related to gender equality. The emphasis on corporate sponsorship and commercial activities has led to a perception that the day has become more about branding and marketing than about driving significant societal change.

In summary, the adoption of International Women's Day by corporations, especially through online platforms and marketing campaigns, has led to criticisms of dilution and commercialization. Some argue that the day's original focus on radical social reforms and women's rights has been overshadowed by corporate interests, contributing to a shift towards more superficial and marketable celebrations.

ANNUAL COMMEMORATIONS

International Women's Day (IWD) has been commemorated annually with various themes and activities worldwide. Here's a detailed overview of the commemorations from 2010 to 2023:

• 2010: The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) highlighted the hardships displaced women endure due to armed conflicts. The ICRC noted that between 70 and 80% of internally displaced persons are women and children.
• 2011: IWD was commemorated in more than 100 countries to mark its 100th anniversary. President Barack Obama proclaimed March 2011 as "Women's History Month" in the United States. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton launched the "100 Women Initiative. "The Red Cross called on entities to prevent rape and sexual violence in conflict zones.
• 2012: Oxfam America invited people to celebrate inspiring women with e-cards. ICRC called for action to help mothers and wives of people missing during armed conflict.
• 2013: ICRC drew attention to the plight of women in prison. The theme was "A promise is a promise: time for action to end violence against women." UNESCO focused on ending violence against women after the attack on Malala Yousafzai.
• 2015: Commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.
• 2016: The President of India extended warm greetings to women, acknowledging their contributions. The ministry of women and child development announced the setting up of more one-stop crisis centers.
• 2017: UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted the reduction, restriction, and reversal of women's rights.
• 2018: The UN theme was "Time is Now: Rural and urban activists transforming women's lives." Global marches and online campaigns like #MeToo and #TimesUp gained momentum globally.
• 2019: The UN theme was 'Think equal, build smart, innovate for change.' Berlin marked IWD as a public holiday for the first time.
• 2020: The UN theme was 'I am Generation Equality: Realizing Women's Rights.' Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, street marches occurred in various European cities.
• 2021: The UN theme was "Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world." The hashtag theme was #ChooseToChallenge.
• 2022: The UN theme was "Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow," emphasizing women's contributions to climate change efforts.
• 2023: The theme was "DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality." The theme for Women's Health and Women's Rights in 2023 is "Together We Can," emphasizing the value of women's health and wellbeing. These annual commemorations reflect the evolving themes and global issues related to women's rights, equality, and empowerment.

AROUND THE WORLD

International Women's Day (IWD) is recognized and celebrated around the world with diverse customs, varying from being an official holiday to widely observed occasions in different countries.

• Official Holiday: In numerous countries, IWD holds the status of an official holiday. Notable examples include Afghanistan, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, China (specifically for women), Cuba, Georgia, Germany (in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania only), Guinea-Bissau, Eritrea, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Madagascar (specifically for women), Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Nepal, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, and Zambia.
• Non-Official Holiday, Widely Observed: In some countries such as Australia, Cameroon, Croatia, Romania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Vietnam, and Chile, IWD is not officially designated as a public holiday, but it is widely observed nonetheless.
• Global Traditions: Irrespective of its legal status, a common practice around the world involves both men and women exchanging flowers and gifts to demonstrate equality towards each other. In certain countries, like Bulgaria and Romania, IWD is also observed akin to Mother's Day, where children present small gifts to their mothers and grandmothers.

Country-Specific Traditions

• Czech Republic: In the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic, significant Soviet-style celebrations were an annual occurrence. Following the fall of Communism, the holiday fell into obscurity but was re-established as an official "important day" in 2004, provoking controversy due to its association with the Communist past.
• France: IWD is widely celebrated in France as the "Journée internationale des droits des femmes" (International Women's Rights Day), emphasizing its focus on women's rights.
• Italy: In Italy, men observe the day by gifting yellow mimosas to women. This tradition originated in 1946 when communist politician Teresa Mattei chose the mimosa as the symbol for IWD at the request of Luigi Longo. It was considered a more accessible alternative to the French symbols of violets and lilies of the valley in poor, rural Italian areas.
• United States: Actress and human rights activist Beata Pozniak played a pivotal role in lobbying for the first official IWD bill in the US Congress. Representative Maxine Waters introduced H. J. Res. 316 bill, aiming to recognize March 8 as International Women's Day.
• Pakistan: In Pakistan, the Aurat Marches were initiated on IWD in parallel with the #MeToo movement. Starting in 2018 in Karachi, the Aurat March has become an annual socio-political demonstration in various Pakistani cities, highlighting issues and advocating for women's rights.
• Public Spaces Named After March 8: Several countries, including Uruguay, Spain, Italy, France, and Algeria, have squares or public spaces named after March 8 in reference to International Women's Day. This underscores the importance of the day and its historical significance in the ongoing struggle for women's rights.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY IN NEPAL

International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated in Nepal as well, as it is globally recognized on March 8th each year. In Nepal, International Women's Day is an occasion to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of women, as well as to raise awareness about the challenges they face.

On this day, various events and activities are organized across the country to honor women and highlight the importance of gender equality. These events may include seminars, panel discussions, cultural programs, rallies, and awareness campaigns. The focus is often on promoting women's rights, addressing issues such as gender-based violence, advocating for equal opportunities, and celebrating the contributions of women in different fields.

Nepal has made strides in improving gender equality and women's rights, and International Women's Day provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress made while recognizing the need for further advancements. It is also a time to encourage dialogue and actions that contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society.

The specific activities and initiatives may vary each year, but the overarching goal is to promote gender equality and empower women in Nepal. The day serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing, appreciating, and supporting the diverse roles that women play in society.

International Women's Day (IWD) is a global celebration held annually on March 8, dedicated to advocating for women's rights and equality. Originating from early 20th-century labor movements, IWD gained prominence through events organized by the Socialist Party of America and the International Socialist Women's Conference. The association with March 8 became significant after the Russian Provisional Government declared it a national holiday in 1917 following women gaining suffrage.

The early development of IWD in the USSR and other communist nations was intertwined with historical events, including the February Revolution in Russia in 1917. Bolshevik leaders officially designated IWD as a holiday, emphasizing women's contributions to various aspects of society. Communist countries worldwide adopted the celebration, and the United Nations officially recognized IWD in 1977, broadening its scope beyond leftist movements.

However, the commercialization of IWD in the 21st century, particularly in Western contexts, has drawn criticism. Corporate involvement and marketing campaigns have led to concerns about dilution and a shift from the day's original focus on radical social reforms and women's rights. The adoption of hashtags and themes by corporations, notably through the website internationalwomensday.com, has influenced the perception of the celebration.

Annual commemorations of IWD have addressed diverse themes related to women's rights, including violence prevention, equal opportunities, and leadership. The day is recognized globally, with varying customs and legal statuses. Some countries, like Afghanistan and Russia, have IWD as an official holiday, while others, including Australia and Vietnam, observe it widely despite not being an official public holiday.

Specific country traditions vary. In Italy, men give yellow mimosas to women, while in Pakistan, the Aurat Marches were initiated on IWD as part of the #MeToo movement. Public spaces in countries such as France, Italy, and Algeria are named after March 8 to commemorate the historical significance of International Women's Day.

In Nepal, IWD is celebrated through events and activities that focus on women's achievements and challenges. The day serves as a reminder of the progress made in gender equality and the ongoing need for further advancements in Nepal and worldwide.

The multifaceted nature of International Women's Day encompasses its historical roots in activism and its contemporary celebration of women's contributions to society. The day continues to be a platform for addressing global issues related to women's rights, equality, and empowerment.

REFERENCE

International Women's Day - Wikipedia