Happy International Working Women's Day!
Like every March 8th, today is a day that celebrates women but also commemorates their struggle for equal rights, recalls the progress made so far, and recognizes the work that remains to be done to address the inequalities that continue to exist today.
The story behind this day
1857
On March 8, thousands of textile workers decided to take to the streets of New York to demand fairer wages and more humane working conditions.
1859
The first women's union is created to demand their rights
1908
Fifty-one years later, 15,000 women once again took to the streets of New York City to demand higher wages, shorter working hours, the right to vote, and a ban on child labor. Their slogan was "Bread and Roses": bread for the economic security it represents, and roses for a better quality of life.
1909
One year later, the United States celebrates the first National Women's Day.
1910
Copenhagen is hosting the second International Conference of Socialist Women, with over 17 countries participating and hundreds of women attending. One of the sponsors is Clara Zetkin.
1911
International Working Women's Day is celebrated for the first time in several countries in Europe and the United States. March 19 is the chosen day. Following this, rallies are organized in which women demand the right to vote, hold public office, work, vocational training, and freedom from workplace discrimination.
However, on March 25, a terrible tragedy occurred. More than 100 textile workers, mostly immigrant women from Eastern Europe and Italy, lost their lives in a fire at the Triangle Shirtwaist factory in New York. A total of 123 women and 23 men died, and more than 70 were injured. The oldest victim was 43, and the youngest was 14.
This motivates women to continue their fight.
1917
During the Russian Revolution, women demanded better living conditions by going on strike. The provisional government granted women the right to vote on February 23, Julian calendar (March 8, Gregorian calendar).
1975
The United Nations recognizes this day as an official day and celebrates International Women's Day for the first time on March 8.
Did you know? Purple, green, and white are the colors that represent this day. Purple symbolizes freedom, justice, and dignity. Green symbolizes hope, and white symbolizes purity. These are the same colors used in the suffragette movement, led by Emily Pankhurst in the 20th century.
Why is this day so important?
Women's Day is a day that not only celebrates the achievements and determination to change of the women who came before us, but also serves to inspire women of today and future generations to continue fighting for a more just future. It is a day that encourages us to support girls to be whatever they want to be and reminds us that not all women have access to the same job opportunities, education, or healthcare as men, and that this must change.
How can you celebrate Women's Day this year?
Even though this year is different than in previous years, there are still ways to participate without leaving home. You can donate to a women's organization, support a small business run by a woman, or thank a woman in your life who has made a difference. Now more than ever, women are facing tougher challenges and pressures than ever before. Taking the time to recognize and celebrate this is a great way to honor this important day.
Did you know? This year, the theme “Women in Leadership: Achieving an Equal Future in a COVID-19 World” celebrates the tremendous efforts made by women and girls around the world in shaping a more equal future and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, and highlights the gaps that remain.
