International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day: A Journey Through Time

Imagine a day where the world pauses to celebrate the achievements, contributions, and resilience of women everywhere. That’s what International Women’s Day (IWD) is all about. Celebrated annually on March 8th, this day has its roots in the early 20th century labor movements and suffrage struggles.

The Birth of a Global Celebration

Did you know that the first IWD was marked by over a million people in Austria-Hungary, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland back in 1911? It all started with a ‘Woman’s Day’ event organized by the Socialist Party of America in New York City on February 28, 1909. German delegates proposed an annual ‘Women’s Day’ at the International Socialist Women’s Conference in Copenhagen in 1910, and the rest is history.

A Revolutionary Change

Seven days after Russia’s revolution, Tsar Nicholas II abdicated, granting women the right to vote. Bolsheviks began celebrating IWD on March 8 as a revolutionary change in 1917. However, it took time for other countries to follow suit. By 1922, Chinese communists observed the holiday, which gained traction across the political spectrum by 1927.

From Communism to Feminism

The Soviet Union introduced policies and actions known as Hujum to remove gender inequality starting on IWD in 1927. In 1965, a decree made March 8 a non-working public holiday in the Soviet Union. Other countries observed IWD in the 1920s-1960s, including Australia and Argentina.

Activist María Elena Oddone climbed a monument and raised a banner that read ‘No to motherhood, yes to pleasure,’ which was criticized by the press. She replied, “I am not a feminist to please anyone but to tell the truth about our condition.” This quote encapsulates the spirit of IWD – a day dedicated to speaking the truth and fighting for equality.

Modern Celebrations

The United Nations began celebrating IWD in 1975, which had been proclaimed as International Women’s Year. By the twenty-first century, IWD had been criticized as heavily diluted and commercialized, particularly in the West, where it is sponsored by major corporations.

On March 8, 2006, in Copenhagen, a dildo was attached to the hand of the statue The Little Mermaid, green paint was dumped over it, and the date March 8 was written on it. This act symbolized the day’s evolving nature – from political activism to artistic expression.

Global Movements

In 2019, various protests and events took place worldwide to raise awareness about gender violence and advocate for women’s rights. In Mexico, a sculpture called Antimonumenta was installed in Morelia but was destroyed hours later; a replica was then placed.

Conclusion

International Women’s Day is not just a day of celebration; it’s a call to action. It reminds us that the fight for gender equality is ongoing and requires constant vigilance and effort. As we mark this day, let us remember the women who have fought before us and continue to inspire change today.