On the Origins of International Women's Day

At the 1910 International Socialist Women’s Conference, activist and politician Clara Zetkin proposed the celebration of a “Working Women’s Day”, as part of her push to promote universal female suffrage. While Finland became the first place in Europe to introduce women’s suffrage in 1906, it would not be until 1984 that every woman in Europe had the right to vote (Liechtenstein finally granted female suffrage following 51.3% of male voters approving in a national referendum). In 1911, IWD was marked for the first time on the 19th of March, and saw over one million people protesting in support of women’s suffrage and labour rights across central Europe. 

The current celebration date of IWD was established following Lenin’s declaration that the 8th March would honour the role of women in the 1917 Russian Revolution. Whilst the 8th March was initially only celebrated by communist countries and the global socialist movement, the United Nations started promoting the date in 1977, and it has subsequently become a national holiday in multiple countries including Germany, Russia, and Montenegro, as well as a holiday for only women in Madagascar, Nepal and China. 

Since joining Warwick Women in Economics society, I have appreciated having a day to reflect on the progress made in advancing the rights of women everywhere, as well as acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead to achieve true gender equality. 

USA, 1973

1914, Germany

1982, Palestine

1970s, USA

1970s, Cuba

1985, Palestine

Germany, 1970s

Canada, 1980

El Salvador, 1980s