International Women’s Day: History, Origins, and Evolving Celebrations

Every year on March 8, the world pauses to honour the achievements, resilience, and struggles of women. What began as a call for justice and equality has grown into a global movement highlighting women’s rights and the ongoing fight against discrimination.

The roots of International Women’s Day stretch back to the early 20th century, when women across Europe and North America demanded better working conditions, fair pay, and the right to vote.

One of the earliest milestones came in 1908, when thousands of New York garment workers marched through the streets, demanding improved labour rights.

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The idea of dedicating a day to honour women was later championed by German activist Clara Zetkin at the International Socialist Women’s Conference.

Her proposal received overwhelming support, and in 1911, the first International Women’s Day was celebrated across several European countries.

How The Global Celebration Began

Over the decades, the day gained international significance. In 1975, the United Nations officially began observing International Women’s Day, encouraging governments worldwide to recognise women’s contributions in social, economic, and political spheres.

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Evolving Celebrations

Today, the way the day is observed has transformed. While its early years were defined by protests and political activism, modern celebrations often include community events, conferences, campaigns, and social media movements aimed at empowering women and girls.

In Kenya and beyond, March 8 is also a time to reflect on progress made and the challenges that remain, including gender-based violence, unequal pay, and limited opportunities for women in leadership. International Women’s Day continues to serve as both a celebration and a reminder of the work still to be done.

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Photos from a meeting convened by Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) and the Institute of Public Finance (IPF. PHOTO/Parliament.