HISTORY OF INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

International Women's Day, celebrated annually on the 8th of March, is a global event that honors the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day has a rich history that dates back over a century, with origins rooted in the growing women's labor movements in Europe and America.

The first official National Women's Day was celebrated in the United States on February 28th, 1909. Organized by the Socialist Party of America, the event was held to commemorate a worker's strike where female garment workers protested against harsh working conditions. The call for a "National Women's Day" was established to highlight the social, economic, and political rights of women around the world.Following the success of the event, women's rights advocates in Europe began organizing their own International Women's Day. This began in 1910, when Clara Zetkin, a German feminist and member of the Social Democratic Party, proposed the establishment of an international Women's Day at the International Socialist Women's Conference in Copenhagen.

The first official International Women's Day was celebrated on March 19th, 1911, in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. Over a million people participated, and women marched across the globe, calling for equal rights and the right to vote. They also used the day to protest against discrimination, wage inequality, and unfair working conditions.Throughout World War I, International Women's Day became a way for women to protest against the war and the oppression they were experiencing. In 1917, on the last Sunday of February, Russian women led a strike that played a significant role in bringing about the revolution that ended the Tsarist regime. The day was subsequently declared a national holiday in Soviet Russia, and it continues to be celebrated in Russia and other former Soviet republics on March 8th.

In 1975, the United Nations officially recognized International Women's Day, and it has since been celebrated globally in many countries around the world. The UN has used this occasion to highlight contemporary women's issues, such as gender violence, economic empowerment, and women's access to health care and education.Over the years, International Women's Day has been celebrated in various ways, with events ranging from political rallies to beauty contests. In recent times, there has been a renewed emphasis on uniting women to push for progress on gender equality issues, both nationally and internationally.

In conclusion, International Women's Day is an event that celebrates the social, economic, and political achievements of women worldwide, and its origin dates to the early 20th century. Its observance has evolved and adapted to the changing world, and it continues to be an essential event in the fight for gender equality. As we celebrate and honor women's achievements and contributions, it is vital to recognize that there is still much work to be done to improve the status of women around the world.