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.

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Latest News

Cyprus Diaspora Forum 2026 sets a new global benchmark for Cyprus

In a landmark four-day gathering that has firmly established itself as the premier and only event of its kind offering a truly comprehensive.

Brisbane hosts dinner dance marking 85th anniversary of the Battle of Crete

More than 250 guests gathered at Mansfield Tavern in Brisbane for a Dinner Dance commemorating the 85th Anniversary of the Battle of Crete.

Quiz for a cause: Canberra trivia night to back Greek language education

Canberra’s Greek community is set to come together for a night of trivia, laughter and fundraising in support of St Nicholas Greek School.

Cult drink Voir born from a young man’s lockdown obsession and Mykonos dreams

As another Australian winter rolls in, Greek Australians dream of summer: salt-crusted skin, music thumping through beach bars until dawn.

Perth leads nation with proposed European Chamber Alliance after Europe Day Dinner

The HACCI WA was proud to host the inaugural European Australian Chambers’ Dinner in Perth on Saturday evening.

You May Also Like

Oakleigh Grammar celebrates alumni at inaugural Hall of Fame induction

Oakleigh Grammar successfully launched last week its prestigious Alumni Hall of Fame. Read more about who was inducted.

‘We are protecting our borders’: Mitsotakis meets EU Parliament VP to discuss Afghanistan

Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Roberta Metsola met to discuss the need for the protection of Greek borders in light of the Afghanistan situation.

Greece and Australia mark Europe Day 2021 with ceremonies at the Acropolis and in Canberra

Greece and Australia have marked Europe Day 2021, by raising the EU and Greek flag at the Acropolis and with a reception in Canberra.