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

Zoe Petropoulos welcomes breakthrough in quest for neurofibromatosis treatment

Years of fundraising by Zoe Petropoulos and her family have helped support research behind a promising breakthrough.

Cassandra Kalpaxis: The hidden reality of domestic violence in Australian workplaces

She is educated. Capable. Often high-achieving. She sits across the boardroom table, meets her deadlines, mentors junior staff.

Pan Korinthian Association of Melbourne hosts community trivia night

More than 50 people gathered on Friday, May 15 for the Pan Korinthian Association of Melbourne and Victoria’s (PKA) trivia night.

Fruit and deli owner Steven Nicolaou calls trust tax changes a ‘kick in the guts’

Steven Nicolaou says new federal budget measures targeting trust structures will leave small businesses “working for nothing."

Greek Ambassador visits Diocese of Brisbane during official Queensland visit

The Ambassador of Greece to Australia, Stavros Venizelos, has been received at the offices of the Greek Orthodox Diocese of Brisbane.

You May Also Like

GCM’s cultural initiative grows into worldwide youth movement

Greek Community of Melbourne partnered with the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs to deliver another successful cultural immersion program.

Dr Hatzidimitriou lectures in Melbourne on Eleftherios Venizelos’ role in Asia Minor Campaign

Dr Constantinos Hatzidimitriou presented his first public lecture in Melbourne on Eleftherios Venizelos' role in the Asia Minor Catastrophe.

Young Greek Australian Madison Eve makes waves with powerful work

A 14-year-old Greek Australian schoolgirl with a nose for news and a passion for art is taking a stand on social issues.