Okay, so I need to figure out what International Women's Day (IWD) means. Let me start by recalling what I already know. I think it's a day celebrated globally on March 8th every year. But why? What's its purpose?

I remember hearing that it's about women's rights and equality. Maybe it's a day to recognize the achievements of women in various fields like politics, science, arts, etc. But is that all? I think there's more to it. There's probably a historical background. Maybe it started as a movement for women's suffrage or labor rights. I'm not sure about the origins. Was it connected to the socialist movement? I think there were some events in the early 20th century, like protests by women workers in New York or something like that. Maybe the 1908 garment workers' strike? Or was that in 1917 in Russia? I'm a bit confused here.

Also, the United Nations started recognizing it in the 1970s, right? So the day has both historical and modern significance. The themes each year might focus on current issues affecting women, like gender parity, violence against women, equal pay, or access to education. The color purple is associated with IWD, symbolizing justice and dignity. Sometimes people wear purple ribbons or clothing on that day.

There's also a debate about whether it's a celebration or a call to action. Some see it as a time to celebrate progress, while others emphasize the ongoing struggles and the need for continued activism. The #EachforEqual campaign comes to mind from a few years back, promoting collective individualism in the fight for equality.

Wait, but how does International Women's Day differ from other similar observances, like National Women's Day in some countries? I think International Women's Day is global, whereas some countries have their own specific days. Also, there's Mother's Day, but that's different because it's more about honoring mothers rather than women's rights.

I should also consider how it's celebrated. Are there marches, conferences, social media campaigns? Companies often participate, but sometimes there's criticism about commercialization or performative support without real action. So, the meaning could be multifaceted: recognition of achievements, raising awareness about ongoing issues, advocating for policy changes, and promoting gender equality.

But I need to make sure I get the history right. The first National Woman's Day was observed in the US in 1909, organized by the Socialist Party of America. Then, at the International Socialist Women's Conference in 1910, Clara Zetkin proposed an international day. The first International Women's Day was in 1911 in several European countries. The date March 8th was adopted after women in Russia gained suffrage in 1917 following a strike on March 8 (Gregorian calendar), which was February 23 in the Julian calendar. The UN recognized it in 1975.

So putting it all together, International Women's Day is both a celebration of women's social, economic, cultural, and political achievements and a call to action for accelerating gender parity. It has historical roots in labor and socialist movements, now a global day with UN involvement, focusing on themes like equality, reproductive rights, violence against women, and more. The day serves to highlight both progress and the work still needed, encouraging activism and awareness through various events and campaigns.

I should check if there are any common misconceptions. For example, some might think it's only for women, but it's also about involving everyone in the fight for equality. Another point is that while it's a positive celebration, it's also a reminder of the inequalities that still exist worldwide. Also, different countries might have varying traditions; in some places, it's a public holiday, while in others, it's more of a protest day.

I need to structure this into a coherent answer, covering the definition, history, purpose, themes, ways of observance, and its significance today. Also, mention the annual themes set by the UN and the role of different organizations and individuals in promoting the day. Highlighting the dual aspect of celebration and activism is important. Maybe also touch on criticisms, like commercialization, but the core meaning remains about advocacy and awareness.

The history of International Women's Day (IWD) is deeply rooted in the labor and suffrage movements of the early 20th century. It reflects over a century of activism, struggle, and progress toward gender equality. Here's a detailed timeline of its evolution:

Early Origins (1900s)

  1. 1908:

    • Women's Labor Movement: In the U.S., 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter working hours, better pay, and voting rights. This event is often seen as a precursor to IWD.

  2. 1909:

    • First National Woman's Day: The Socialist Party of America declared February 28 as National Woman's Day to honor the 1908 strike and advocate for women's rights.

  3. 1910:

    • International Socialist Women's Conference: In Copenhagen, Clara Zetkin, a German activist, proposed the idea of an International Women's Day to promote equal rights and suffrage globally. The proposal was unanimously approved by over 100 women from 17 countries.

First Celebrations (1911–1914)

  1. 1911:

    • The first International Women's Day was celebrated on March 19 in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. Over a million people attended rallies demanding women's rights to work, vote, and hold public office.

  2. 1913–1914:

    • IWD became a tool for protesting World War I. Russian women observed their first IWD in 1913, and in 1914, women across Europe held rallies to oppose the war and express solidarity.

1917: A Turning Point

  • Russian Revolution:

    • On March 8, 1917 (Gregorian calendar), Russian women went on strike for "Bread and Peace" in response to the death of over 2 million soldiers in World War I. Their protests sparked the February Revolution, leading to the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II and the granting of voting rights to Russian women.

  • This event solidified March 8 as the date for IWD.

Global Recognition (1920s–1970s)

  1. 1920s–1930s:

    • IWD spread globally, particularly in socialist and communist countries, as a day to celebrate women's achievements and advocate for equality.

  2. 1945:

    • The United Nations Charter became the first international agreement to affirm the principle of equality between women and men.

  3. 1975:

    • The United Nations officially recognized March 8 as International Women's Day during International Women's Year. This marked the beginning of annual UN themes for IWD.

Modern Era (1980s–Present)

  1. 1980s–1990s:

    • IWD became a mainstream global event, celebrated in both developed and developing countries. It expanded its focus to include issues like reproductive rights, violence against women, and economic inequality.

  2. 1995:

    • The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, adopted at the UN's Fourth World Conference on Women, set a global agenda for women's empowerment.

  3. 2000s–Present:

    • IWD has grown into a global movement, with millions participating in marches, campaigns, and events. Themes like #EachforEqual and #BreakTheBias highlight ongoing struggles for gender parity.

    • The day is now celebrated in over 100 countries, with some (e.g., Russia, Uganda, Afghanistan) declaring it a public holiday.

Key Milestones

  • Labor Rights: Early IWD focused on fair wages, working conditions, and suffrage.

  • Global Solidarity: It became a platform for women worldwide to unite against oppression and inequality.

  • Intersectionality: Modern IWD increasingly addresses the experiences of marginalized women, including those of different races, classes, and sexual orientations.

Legacy

International Women's Day is a testament to the power of collective action. From its roots in labor and socialist movements to its current status as a global celebration, IWD continues to inspire activism and progress toward gender equality.