International Women's Day, March 8, celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women around the world, and calls for progress toward gender equality. It is a public holiday in some countries and a day of events, talks and campaigns in many others. In the United States, it falls during Women's History Month in March, making it a natural moment to learn, reflect and take action.
History of International Women's Day
International Women's Day grew out of labor and suffrage movements in the early 1900s. In the United States, the Socialist Party organized a National Woman's Day on February 28, 1909, in New York, following protests by women garment workers for better pay and conditions.
In 1910, at an international conference of working women in Copenhagen, German activist Clara Zetkin proposed an annual international women's day. The first International Women's Day was held on March 19, 1911, in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland, with more than a million people attending rallies.
The date shifted to March 8 after women in Russia went on strike for 'bread and peace' on that date in 1917 (February 23 on Russia's old calendar), a protest that helped spark the Russian Revolution. The United Nations began celebrating International Women's Day in 1975, International Women's Year, and today the UN announces an annual theme.
Why International Women's Day Matters
Women have made enormous progress in education, work and politics, but gaps remain in pay, leadership and safety in many places. The day highlights both achievements and the work still to do.
It also celebrates individual women, from historical pioneers to the women in our own lives.
How to Celebrate International Women's Day
- Learn about a pioneer: read about a woman who changed history in science, sports or politics.
- Support women-owned businesses: shop locally from businesses led by women.
- Attend an event: join a talk, panel or march in your community.
- Mentor or sponsor: offer time and support to a woman starting her career.
- Thank the women in your life: tell them what they mean to you.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, organizations can host a panel or lunch-and-learn, highlight the achievements of women on the team, review pay equity and promotion data, or support mentoring programs. Avoid token gestures; practical commitments matter most. In classrooms, students can research women in history, science and the arts, create a timeline of women's rights milestones, or interview a woman in their family about her life and work. At home, families can read biographies of inspiring women, watch a documentary together, or talk about fairness in chores and responsibilities. Ask children which women they admire and why.
Fun Facts About International Women's Day
- The first International Women's Day was held on March 19, 1911.
- March 8 marks a 1917 women's strike in Russia.
- The UN began celebrating the day in 1975.
International Women's Day FAQs
When is International Women's Day?
International Women's Day is March 8 every year.
When was the first International Women's Day?
The first was held on March 19, 1911, in several European countries.
Why is it on March 8?
The date marks a 1917 strike by women in Russia.
Is March Women's History Month?
Yes. In the U.S., March is Women's History Month.