Why do we celebrate iwd

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated annually on March 8 to recognize women's achievements and advocate for gender equality. It originated from labor movements in the early 1900s, with the first National Woman's Day observed in the United States on February 28, 1909. The United Nations officially recognized IWD in 1977, and today it is observed globally with themes like 'Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress' for 2024. Celebrations include marches, educational events, and corporate initiatives, highlighting ongoing challenges such as the global gender pay gap of approximately 20%.

Key Facts

First observed as National Woman's Day in the U.S. on February 28, 1909
Officially adopted by the United Nations in 1977
Annual global celebration on March 8
2024 theme: 'Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress'
Global gender pay gap estimated at 20% by the International Labour Organization

Overview

International Women's Day (IWD) is a global celebration held annually on March 8 to honor women's social, economic, cultural, and political achievements while advocating for gender equality. Its origins trace back to early 20th-century labor movements in North America and Europe. In 1908, 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding better pay, shorter hours, and voting rights. Inspired by this, the Socialist Party of America declared the first National Woman's Day on February 28, 1909. The idea gained international momentum at the 1910 International Socialist Women's Conference in Copenhagen, where German activist Clara Zetkin proposed an annual Women's Day. The first International Women's Day was observed on March 19, 1911, in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland, with over one million participants. In 1977, the United Nations General Assembly invited member states to proclaim March 8 as the UN Day for Women's Rights and International Peace, solidifying its global recognition.

How It Works

IWD operates through coordinated global efforts involving governments, organizations, and individuals. Each year, the UN announces a theme, such as 'DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality' in 2023 or 'Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress' for 2024, guiding activities worldwide. Celebrations include marches, rallies, panel discussions, art exhibitions, and social media campaigns using hashtags like #IWD2024. Many corporations participate through diversity initiatives, while schools and communities host educational events. The day also serves as a platform to launch reports and policies on gender issues, such as the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report. Mechanisms include advocacy for legal reforms, awareness campaigns on topics like violence against women, and fundraising for women's charities. In some countries, like Russia and China, IWD is an official holiday with cultural traditions.

Why It Matters

IWD matters because it highlights persistent gender inequalities and mobilizes action for change. Globally, women earn about 20% less than men, face higher rates of poverty, and are underrepresented in leadership roles, with only 26.5% of parliamentary seats worldwide. The day raises awareness of issues like gender-based violence, affecting 1 in 3 women globally. It also celebrates progress, such as increased female education rates and legal advancements. IWD's impact includes inspiring movements like #MeToo and driving policy changes, such as parental leave laws. By fostering solidarity, it empowers women and allies to advocate for equal rights, contributing to sustainable development goals like gender equality (SDG 5). Ultimately, IWD reminds us that gender parity benefits societies economically and socially, with studies showing it could add $12 trillion to global GDP by 2025.