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

Contiki lures young Australians to Europe by covering passport costs for 2026

Europe is set to benefit from a surge in Australian youth travel as Contiki launches a promotion reimbursing the full AUD 412 cost of an Australian passport.

SoulChef Sundays: Festive cake trio

SoulChef Georgia brings three Christmas cakes that blend Greek soul, festive warmth, and her signature global flair.

Athens international airport reaches net zero 25 years ahead of aviation goals

AIA has completed its Route 2025 initiative, achieving Net Zero emissions in 2025-25 years earlier than the global aviation sector’s target.

Rare Roman-style ‘Good Shepherd’ fresco discovered near Nicaea

Turkish archaeologists have uncovered an exceptionally well-preserved fresco depicting Jesus as the “Good Shepherd".

Greek Panayiri featured in Geelong’s ‘Windows of the World’ Christmas showcase

Geelong’s entre has been transformed into a celebration of global culture this festive season, with a distinctly Greek presence shining.

You May Also Like

Chinese tourism in Greece booms

Greece has seen an increase in Chinese tourists in 2019. Between 150,000 and 200,000 Chinese tourists visited Greece last year, which marks a 20...

Bankrupt pub baron Jon Adgemis loses Rose Bay property windfall

Broke Sydney pubs entrepreneur Jon Adgemis missed out on a major property gain after lenders seized his Rose Bay home.

Australian reception marks Cyprus’ journey of independence and EU integration

The High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia, Antonis Sammoutis, hosted an official reception on Thursday, October 31.