A few decades ago, women in the United States were denied many basic rights enjoyed by men and, despite significant strides, continue to encounter discrimination and injustices in various facets of life.
This is why International Women's Day, observed worldwide on March 8, illuminates issues like gender equality, reproductive rights, and educational access for women and girls.
Exploring the stories of historical women, supporting women-owned businesses, sharing empowering facts, and reflecting on Women's History Month quotes are all meaningful ways to pay tribute to the courageous women who have championed change and continue to do so.
International Women's Day was first Recognized in Europe
The holiday celebrating women's achievements is said to have originated in New York City in 1909 during a commemoration of a garment workers' strike. In 1910, German activist Clara Zetkin proposed the idea of an international women's holiday at the International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen. While Europeans began observing International Women's Day in 1911, the United States did not join.
International Women's Day's Date was Derived from The Russian Revolution
The date March 8 gained prominence when women in the Russian city of Petrograd staged protests and strikes, demanding food and an end to the empire in 1917, which the Tsar abdicated a week later, resulting in Clara Zetkin proposing in 1921 that March 8 be designated as International Women's Day.
Women's History Month Started as a Week-Long Local Celebration
Women's History Month originated as a week-long celebration in Santa Rosa, California, in 1978, organized by the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women, which coincided with International Women's Day.
The National Women's History Project, now known as the National Women's History Alliance, was established by local advocates to highlight women's accomplishments. One of its members, Molly Murphy MacGregor, attended The Women's History Institute at Sarah Lawrence College in New York, which inspired others to initiate similar week-long celebrations. As a result, by 1986, 14 states had officially designated March as Women's History Month.
Women's History Month Took Years to be Federally Recognized
According to National Geographic, in 1980, a coalition of women's groups led by the National Women's History Project persuaded President Jimmy Carter to issue a proclamation acknowledging National Women's History Week. However, it was not until 1987 that Congress passed a law officially designating March as Women's History Month.
Women's History Month Designated by The President Every Year
Congress passed resolutions authorizing the president to proclaim Women's History Month between 1988 and 1994. Since 1995, each president has issued an annual proclamation designating March as Women's History Month.
In his 2011 proclamation, former President Obama honored the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day, stating that it pays tribute to ordinary women worldwide and their centuries-long struggle for equality with men. He noted that while significant progress has been made, there is still work to achieve true gender parity.
Women's History Month Has An Annual Theme
The National Women's History Alliance chooses a theme for Women's History Month each year. This year's theme, "Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion," highlights the contributions of women nationwide who strive to eradicate bias and discrimination from our society and institutions for a better future.
Women's History Month is Celebrated Differently in Canada
Women's History Month is celebrated globally, from the Philippines to the UK Interestingly, in the UK, March marks Women's History Month and celebrates Mother's Day. Canada opts for October to honor and recognize women's achievements.
International Women's Day is only an Official Holiday in Some Countries
Several countries recognize International Women's Day as an official holiday. However, many women are only granted a half-day holiday, including China, and International Women's Day coincides with Mother's Day celebrations in Serbia and Albania.
International Women's Day is Celebrated with Certain Colors
Purple, green, and white are the colors associated with International Women's Day, which originated in the early 1900s in the UK by the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) before being adopted in the US.
