Five Things To Know About International Women’s Day

For more than 100 years, March 8th has marked what has come to be known as International Women’s Day in countries around the world.  Its purpose differs from place to place. In some countries it’s a day of protest, in others it’s a way to celebrate the accomplishments of women and promote gender equality. The holiday is more than just a simple hashtag.  Here are five things you need to know about International Women’s Day.

The Day originated more than 100 years ago

On March 19, 1911, the first International Women’s Day was held; more than 1 million people in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Denmark took part.

The celebration got women the vote in Russia

In 1917, women in Russia honored the day by beginning a strike for bread and peace as a way to protest World War I and advocate for gender parity. The provisional government then granted women in Russia the right to vote.

The U N officially adopted the Day in 1975

In 1975, the United Nations, which had dubbed the year International Women’s Year—celebrated International Women’s Day on March 8th for the first time.

Official holiday in many countries

International Women’s Day is a day of celebration around the world, and an official holiday in dozens of countries. Afghanistan, Cuba, Vietnam, Uganda, Mongolia, Georgia, Laos, Cambodia, Armenia, Belarus, Montenegro, Russia, and Ukraine are just some of the places where March 8th is recognised as an official holiday.

Every year has an official theme

In 1996, the UN created a theme for that year’s International Women’s Day: Celebrating the Past, Planning for the Future. In 1997, it was “Women at the Peace Table,” then “Women and Human Rights” in 1998. They’ve continued this themed tradition in the years since; then.  

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