International Women’s Day #InternationalWomensDay is observed annually on March 8, International Women’s Day celebrates the global “social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women,” according to the event website.
International Women’s Day #InternationalWomensDay also calls for action to advance gender equality.
The idea for an International Women’s Day was proposed and approved at the second International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1910. This came a year after the Socialist Party of America celebrated the first National Woman’s Day in the U.S. on February 28, 1909, according to the IWD site.
International Women’s Day #InternationalWomensDay was observed on March 19, 1911 in several European Countries, with rallies and events calling for women’s right to vote and an end to gender discriminations.
Since 1914, March 8 has been the fixed date for International Women’s Day; International Women’s Day was moved to be in line with Russian women who celebrated International Women’s Day on February 23 on the Gregorian calendar. The United Nations first recognized International Women’s Day in 1975.
Across the globe, demonstrations are planned from Tokyo to Mexico City. But these aren’t always celebrations.
Last year, women in Turkey protested in Istanbul despite a ban on an IWD march before police used tear gas to disperse the crowd and detain some protesters. Dozens of people were injured as part of an IWD protest in Mexico City in 2021.
You can join in many in-person events across the U.S. Just search for events on the International Women’s Day website.
There are many virtual ones available, too, including:
- 7:30 a.m. ET: At the United Nations, the International Labour Organization will celebrate the day with an “Investing in Women: Accelerate Progress” program. You can watch on UN Web TV.
- 10-11 a.m. ET: A Women in Leadership; “Inspire Inclusion” panel discussion including Blanchard Innovation Lab vice president Britney Cole and Marta Budzyńska, a career coach and former Amazon recruiter.
- 1-2 p.m. ET: The National Museum of Women in the Arts keynote with artist, art historian and writer Ferren Gipson, author of “Women’s Work: From Feminine Arts to Feminist Art.”
- 2-2:45 p.m. ET: Visionary Women: Celebrating Champions of Change: A discussion with speakers from CARE, UNICEF, and Plan International USA about the role women play as agents of change and how they can address global challenges.
- 3-4 p.m. (and again 8-9 p.m. ET): The Loupe Art streaming service and artist marketplace HUG , whch are collaborating to empower emerging artists, will have an online episode highlighting women artists. See where to watch the livestream or on demand on LoupeArt.com.
- 5 p.m. ET: The Power of Inspiring Inclusion: A Discussion with international women leaders at Northeastern University.
The campaign theme for International Women’s Day 2024 is Inspire Inclusion.
When we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, we forge a better world.
And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there’s a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment.
Collectively, let’s forge a more inclusive world for women.
Get involved for IWD 2024
With well over a century of history and change, the first International Women’s Day (IWD) was held in March 1911. IWD isn’t Country, group or organization specific. IWD is a day of collective global activism and celebration that belongs to all those committed to forging women’s equality.
World-renowned feminist, journalist and activist, Gloria Steinem, reportedly once explained:
“The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights.”
Let’s all help fight the good fight. All IWD activity is valid, that’s what makes IWD so inclusive. Join in and make IWD your day by doing what you can to support and advance women.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlier and David Cates
