History Behind International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day (IWD) began as a labour movement and has since evolved into an UN-recognized annual holiday (UN).

In 1908, 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter labour hours, higher pay, and the opportunity to vote. The first National Woman’s Day was recognized a year later by the Socialist Party of America.

Clara Zektin, a woman, was the one who suggested making the day international. At an International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen in 1910, she proposed the notion. There were 100 women in attendance, representing 17 different countries, and they unanimously agreed with her offer.

In 1911, Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland became the first countries to commemorate it. This year marks the 110th anniversary of International Women’s Day, which was commemorated in 2011.

Women’s Day
Women’s Day

When the United Nations began commemorating the day in 1975, everything became official. “Celebrating the past, planning for the Future” was the UN’s first theme (chosen in 1996).

International Women’s Day has evolved into a day to commemorate how far women have progressed in society, politics, and economics, with the day’s political roots implying that strikes and protests are held to raise awareness of ongoing inequalities.

Clara proposed March 8th as International Women’s Day. It wasn’t formally recognized until 1917, when Russian women demanded “food and peace,” and the Tsar was forced to abdicate four days into the strike, and the provisional government granted women the right to vote.

According to the Julian calendar, which was in use in Russia at the time, the women’s strike began on Sunday, February 23. The date was March 8th in the Gregorian calendar, and it is still observed today.

Which Colour Resembles International Women’s Day?

According to the International Women’s Day website, the IWD colours are purple, green, and white.

“Purple is a colour that represents justice and honour. Hope is represented by the colour green. White is a contentious notion that symbolises purity. In 1908, the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) in the United Kingdom came up with the colours “

How International Women’s Day is Celebrated all over the World?

International Women’s Day is observed in many ways around the world.

International Women’s Day is commemorated in China by showering women with love and respect. Every year on March 8th, employed women are legally entitled to a half-day. On women’s’ Day in China, men demonstrate their love for the women in their lives by surprising them with special surprises, gifts, cards, and flowers. While the primary focus of Women’s Day celebrations is a display of love and respect for women, some talks, important meetings, and award ceremonies linked to women are also held in a few sections of the country.

The 8th of March is a national holiday in Russia. This festival arose as a political celebration to represent the struggle of women around the world for their rights, full equality with men, democracy, and peace.

This spring festival is typically marked by family visits, a lunch, and a glass of champagne. Another common method to commemorate March 8th is to pay a visit to friends. Men and women send flowers, poetry, postcards, chocolate, and other thoughtful gifts to their mothers, wives, grandmothers, sisters, and daughters. On March 8th, flowers are the most popular gift choice, with yellow mimosas and roses being the most preferred. The next most popular items are candy and chocolate, followed by perfume and cosmetics.

In Italy, International Women’s Day is known as La Festa Della Donna. In Poland, up until approximately the Second World War, socialist administrations used Women’s Day to promote the image of a woman as the leading lady of work who supports her country. It was a mandated day of celebration in companies and schools during those years. Women would receive carnations and other items that were difficult to come by at the time, such as tights, towels, or coffee. The tulip is today’s most popular gift. When women meet males on this day, whether it is their boss, co-worker, friend, or parent, they may traditionally expect to get a symbolic tulip.

What is the theme of International Women’s Day 2022?

The International Women’s Day theme for 2022 is #BreaktheBias, which highlights the importance of challenging biases and misconceptions in the interest of creating a more inclusive and gender-equal world.

The United Nations also announced a theme for 2022: “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow.” The United Nations’ theme for 2022 is “Girls and Women Leading the Way” to a More Sustainable Future, as well as climate change response activities.

Reference:

https://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/report-international-women-day-2021-know-this-year-theme-many-more-interesting-facts-2879564

https://www.realsimple.com/work-life/international-womens-day

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