💜 The History of International Women’s Day
Why do we celebrate International Women’s Day? The roots of this global movement trace back to the early 20th century, during a time of rapid industrialisation and economic expansion in the West. Poor working conditions and low wages led to a wave of protests and strikes. In particular, the textile industry increasingly relied on female labour — often underpaid and overworked. Eventually, on 8 March 1857, female textile workers took to the streets to protest these harsh conditions.
At first, their movement attracted little attention. But by 1908, nearly 15,000 women marched in New York City, demanding shorter working hours, better pay, and voting rights. With growing awareness of labour rights for women, the Socialist Party of America declared that day as National Women's Day, with the first official celebration held on 28 February 1909.
A major turning point came in March 1911, when a fire broke out at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in New York, claiming the lives of over 140 garment workers — mostly women. The tragedy highlighted the dire working conditions in factories. In response, labour laws were amended, and at the International Women's Conference in Copenhagen, women’s rights advocate Clara Zetkin proposed a dedicated day for women. Thus, International Women’s Day was born.
Today, 8 March is celebrated around the world in honour of those early struggles. In some countries — including Afghanistan, Cambodia, Cuba, Mongolia, Nepal, Russia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam — it is a public holiday. In many places, it's a day when women are given flowers and small gifts, as a gesture of appreciation and respect.
