celebrating women's achievements and advocating for gender equality.
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International Women's Day (IWD) began in the early 1900s, amid industrial expansion and social strife, highlighting women's struggle.
Origins in Activism
The inaugural spark occurred in New York City, where 15,000 women marched demanding better working conditions, pay, and voting rights.
The March of 1908
The Socialist Party of America declared February 28 National Woman's Day in 1909, further empowering women's voices across the United States.
Birth of National Woman's Day
Clara Zetkin proposed International Women's Day at the 1910 Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen, gaining unanimous support.
Clara Zetkin's Proposal
In 1911, Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland marked the first International Women's Day on March 19, with rallies advocating for women's rights.
Global Observance Begins
The date shifted to March 8 in 1913-1914, aligning with Russian women's strikes and subsequent global adoption.
Evolving Dates
International Women's Day gained official recognition from the United Nations in 1975 when a resolution declared it a day for women's rights and international peace.
United Nations Recognition
Since 1996, the UN has designated annual themes for IWD, addressing issues like women's rights, peace, and gender equality.
Annual Themes
By 2001, efforts to reinvigorate IWD led to the launch of internationalwomensday.com, aiming to mobilize mass participation and highlight women's achievements.
Revitalization in the 21st Century
IWD has evolved into a global movement with diverse local activities, corporate support, and online engagement, promoting gender equality.
Continued Impact