Why do we celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8?

·

International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8 every year and is a focal point in the movement for women’s rights.

But why do we celebrate on March 8?

The UN began celebrating International Women’s Day in the International Women’s Year – 1975. In 1977, the UN General Assembly invited member states to proclaim March 8 as the UN Day for women’s rights and world peace.

In Australia, International Women’s Day has been informally celebrated since the early 1920s.

International Women’s Day rally, Melbourne 1975.

The first Australian IWD rally, organised by the Militant Women’s Movement of the Communist Party of Australia, took place on March 25, 1928 in the Sydney Domain.

IWD gained momentum in Australia around the time of the Second World War. Activists such as Jessie Street campaigned for women’s rights as workers because women at the time were often paid only 54 percent of men’s wages.

These days, International Women’s Day is marked in Australia with a diverse array of events including marches, rallies and fundraising events.

Source: SAGE.

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Maria Maroulis to headline this year’s Greek Fest at Brighton-Le-Sands

The Greek Festival of Sydney is bringing summer to life with a full day of live music, and dance at Bay Street, Brighton-Le-Sands.

Sunshine and spirit: OXI Day takes centre stage at Oakleigh Glendi

Under blue skies, the second day of the 10th annual Oakleigh Glendi brought together faith, remembrance, and community spirit.

How Oakleigh Glendi grew from a church fete to cultural phenomenon

What began as a humble parish fete in the 1960s has evolved into one of Melbourne’s most anticipated multicultural festivals: Oakleigh Glendi.

Psychologist Tenia Makris delivers lecture on family and self-awareness in Melbourne

The Hellenic Women’s Network VIC welcomed renowned Greek psychologist, family counsellor, and author Tenia Makris to Melbourne.

The heart of Oakleigh Glendi, a marketplace of stories

Atherton Street, typically a rush of city traffic, was transformed into a pedestrian-only spectacle for the annual Oakleigh Glendi.

You May Also Like

Vasili’s Taxidi: A Shop for the Ages – Evergeen Spot Takeaway, Rosebery

One of the few takeaway shops left from the migrant generation is the Evergreen Spot along Gardeners Road, run by Garifalia and Tony Ververis.

Apostolos Christou sets Pan-Hellenic record at Melbourne swimming championship

Greek swimmer Apostolos Christou made it into the world final for 100m backstroke in the 16th FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) 2022.

‘It’s okay to be different’: Nicky Panagiotou on raising a child with a disability

For Nicky Panagiotou, her daughter Doria is living proof that inclusive approaches to people with disabilities work.