22 Interesting Facts about International Women’s Day

Dan November 24, 2023

International Women’s Day, observed annually on March 8th, stands as a global celebration honoring the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women worldwide. It serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing fight for gender equality and the advancement of women’s rights.

Originating from the labor movements in the early 20th century, the day has evolved into a platform for advocating gender parity. It highlights the invaluable contributions of women in various spheres while underscoring the need to address issues like gender-based discrimination, violence against women, and the wage gap.

Each year, International Women’s Day is marked by diverse events, campaigns, and gatherings worldwide. These activities aim to raise awareness, celebrate women’s achievements, and mobilize support for gender equality initiatives. It serves as a rallying point for individuals, organizations, and governments to unite in their commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable society.

Themes for International Women’s Day often center around pressing issues affecting women globally. These themes range from empowering women in leadership roles, promoting education and healthcare access, advocating for reproductive rights, addressing gender-based violence, to encouraging economic empowerment and equal opportunities in the workforce.

Moreover, International Women’s Day is a call to action, encouraging everyone to actively participate in creating a more gender-equal world. It emphasizes the importance of solidarity, allyship, and continued efforts to dismantle barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create an environment where every woman and girl can thrive, free from discrimination and oppression.

Here are 22 interesting facts about International Women’s Day to know more about it.

1. Inception: International Women’s Day (IWD) traces its roots back to the early 20th century, originating from women’s movements advocating for better working conditions and suffrage rights.
2. Early Celebrations: The first National Woman’s Day was observed in the United States on February 28, 1909, following a declaration by the Socialist Party of America.
3. Clara Zetkin’s Proposal: In 1910, at the International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen, German activist Clara Zetkin proposed the establishment of an International Women’s Day.
4. First International Women’s Day: The first International Women’s Day was celebrated on March 19, 1911, in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland, involving rallies and events advocating for women’s rights.
5. March 8th Adoption: In 1913, March 8th was adopted as the official date for International Women’s Day, and it has been observed on this day globally since then.
6. Official Recognition by the UN: The United Nations officially recognized International Women’s Day in 1975, celebrating it as part of International Women’s Year.
7. Colors of International Women’s Day: Purple, green, and white are the traditional colors representing justice, hope, purity, and solidarity, often worn or displayed during IWD celebrations.
8. Global Reach: International Women’s Day is celebrated in numerous countries worldwide and is a public holiday in some nations, including Russia, Ukraine, and several former Soviet bloc countries.
9. Themes and Campaigns: Each year, International Women’s Day is aligned with a specific theme to address pertinent issues affecting women globally, such as gender equality, women’s empowerment, education, and healthcare access.
10. #ChooseToChallenge: In 2021, the IWD theme was #ChooseToChallenge, aiming to encourage people to challenge gender bias and inequality, fostering a more inclusive world.
11. The Pledge for Parity: The 2016 campaign aimed to accelerate gender parity by encouraging individuals and organizations to pledge to take concrete steps towards achieving gender equality.
12. Notable International Women’s Day Achievements: Several milestones in women’s rights have been marked or achieved on International Women’s Day, including suffrage victories and legislative changes globally.
13. Events and Activities: International Women’s Day is marked by various events, including rallies, conferences, art exhibitions, seminars, and panel discussions focusing on women’s issues.
14. Social Media Influence: In recent years, social media has played a significant role in spreading awareness and promoting International Women’s Day, with hashtags, campaigns, and global conversations.
15. IWD in Different Cultures: Different cultures celebrate International Women’s Day uniquely, incorporating traditional customs, performances, and ceremonies to honor women’s achievements.
16. Celebrating Trailblazing Women: IWD is an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of influential women in history, science, politics, arts, and various fields.
17. Awareness and Advocacy: IWD serves as a platform for raising awareness about gender-based violence, women’s health issues, reproductive rights, and economic empowerment.
18. Challenges and Inequalities: Despite progress, International Women’s Day also sheds light on the persisting challenges and disparities women face globally, emphasizing the need for ongoing action.
19. Supporting Women-Owned Businesses: Many initiatives and campaigns on International Women’s Day focus on supporting and promoting women entrepreneurs and their businesses.
20. Intersectionality and Inclusivity: There’s a growing emphasis on intersectionality within the IWD movement, acknowledging the diverse experiences and challenges faced by women based on race, ethnicity, sexuality, and more.
21. Ongoing Relevance: While much progress has been made, International Women’s Day remains crucial in advocating for gender equality and highlighting areas where further strides are needed.
22. Continued Advocacy and Momentum: International Women’s Day isn’t just a single day but a catalyst for ongoing efforts toward a more equitable and inclusive society for all genders.

International Women’s Day stands as a powerful reminder of the indomitable spirit, resilience, and achievements of women worldwide. It’s a day of celebration, reflection, and advocacy—a moment to honor the progress made in advancing gender equality while acknowledging the challenges that persist. As the world unites on March 8th and beyond, International Women’s Day serves as a catalyst for continued action, urging us all to strive for a world where every woman and girl can exercise their rights, pursue their dreams, and contribute their invaluable talents without barriers or discrimination. It’s a call to solidarity, a commitment to empowerment, and a testament to the unwavering strength of women everywhere.