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The history of International Women’s Day

This is an event observed across the world every year on March 8. It is a day to acknowledge and celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women and girls, and to raise awareness on issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights and violence against women. 

“Women’s Day” was first observed in New York in 1909. Created by the Socialist Party of America, the idea soon spread to labour groups, with the first demonstrations and commemorations of International Women’s Day in 1911 held in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. The global feminist movement adopted the idea of International Women’s Day in the late 1960s, and it became a mainstream global holiday when it was adopted by the United Nations in 1977.

The labour movement has always fought for stronger wages, better working conditions and pay equity for its members. Many unions have developed strategies to combat racism, sexual violence and harassment in the workplace. But there’s still work to be done.

Women are still more likely to be the victims of violence and harassment, especially if they are young, persons with disabilities, a visible minority or a member of the LGBTQ2+ community. One in three women worldwide will be subjected to physical or sexual violence during her lifetime.

The theme of this year’s IWD is Accelerate Action. Use the hashtags #IWD2025 and #AccelerateAction in your social media posts and use this day to celebrate the achievement of women in our workplaces, in our communities and in our friendships. Do you have any proud stories to share? Let us know!

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