Who Started International Women's Day?
The observance of International Women's Day on March 8th each year is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. But who exactly was behind the establishment of this significant day?
The origins of International Women's Day can be traced back to the early 1900s, when the women's rights movement was gaining momentum around the world. However, the exact origins and founders of the day remain somewhat contested and vary depending on the source.
One of the earliest proposals for an International Women's Day came from the Socialist Party of America in 1909. This proposal was made in honor of the 1908 garment workers' strike in New York, where women protested against working conditions and demanded voting rights. The Socialist Party of America declared February 28th as National Women's Day, and it was initially observed as a day to honor the economic and political achievements of women.
However, the day gained international recognition in 1910, when German Socialist Luise Zietz proposed the establishment of an International Women's Day at the Second International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen. This proposal was met with widespread support and was adopted by over 100 women's organizations from different countries.
The exact date of March 8th was chosen in honor of a strike by women garment workers in New York in 1908, which had occurred on the same day. This strike had a significant impact on the women's rights movement in the United States and beyond, and it was seen as a symbol of women's economic power and solidarity.
Over the years, International Women's Day has evolved and grown in significance, becoming a global platform to celebrate women's achievements, raise awareness about gender equality issues, and promote women's rights and empowerment.
Today, International Women's Day is recognized by the United Nations and celebrated in various countries around the world. It serves as a powerful reminder of the progress made in advancing women's rights, while also highlighting the challenges and obstacles that still need to be overcome.
As we commemorate International Women's Day each year, it is important to remember the brave women who fought for equality and recognition, and to continue their legacy by working towards a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous world for all.
