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

Greece seals $757.8m rocket system deal with Israel

Greece and Israel have signed a defence deal in Athens for the acquisition of PULS precision rocket systems, according to Israel’s defence ministry.

Trump issues Iran ultimatum over ceasefire deadline

Trump has warned that the United States would target every bridge and power plant in Iran if the regime does not accept a ceasefire deal.

SoulChef Sundays: The Easter tsoureki trilogy – scents of love and tradition

Chef Georgia Koutsoukou — the Kalamata-born chef known as “SoulChef” — continues her SoulChef Sundays series with The Greek Herald.

Aleesha Naxakis: From Roselands to the Australia Galaxy Stage

Aleesha is a proud second-generation Australian with roots stretching across Greece – from Crete and Kalamata to Lyfkada and Amaliada.

Dr Louise Makarious’ study reveals hidden maternal death risks years after childbirth

A world-first Australian study has found that one in five maternal deaths in the five years after childbirth are preventable.

You May Also Like

Sydney to host Greek Presidential Guards for ANZAC Week 2025

Sydney is set to host 14 members of the Greek Presidential Guard, known as the Evzones, to participate in ANZAC Week commemorations. 

Greek Community of SA condemns Turkey’s decision to convert Hagia Sophia into mosque

The Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia (GOCSA) strongly denounces Turkey’s decision to convert the World Heritage monument of Hagia Sophia into a mosque. GOCSA...

New interpreting graduates ready to help the state’s diverse communities

More than 40 multilingual students are set to bolster the NSW Government’s interpreting ranks after successfully completing its Interpreting Scholarship program.