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

Forty years of faith: St Andrew’s Parish in SA celebrates a remarkable journey

More than 200 people gathered on 13 June 2026 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of St Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Parish, Noarlunga.

Greek Australian soprano Angelica Zafiris shines alongside Dimitris Basis in debut

In a landmark celebration of Hellenic musical heritage, a powerful new voice has emerged on the Australian cultural landscape. 

Victoria’s Lefkadian Youth returns, determined to build a lasting legacy

Victoria’s Lefkadian Brotherhood has revived its youth sub-committee this year, and Lefkadian Youth President Calista Mitsas speaks to TGH.

People are proposing at George Ellis concerts

Conductor George Ellis thought he was signing up for a run of high-energy, emotionally charged performances of 'La La Land in Concert.'

Psillakis calls for 24/7 drone surveillance at Sydney beaches after Coogee shark attack

The brother of shark attack victim Mercury Psillakis, Mike Psillakis, has called on the Minns government to urgently deploy drones.

You May Also Like

Mt Gravatt’s Circle of Senior Citizens & Friends celebrates 28 years

His Grace Bishop Bartholomew of Brisbane visited Mt Gravatt to celebrate the 28th anniversary of the Circle of Senior Citizens & Friends.

‘I was always different’: Konstantinos Dosis on taking part in Sydney WorldPride 2023

Sydney stylist and hairdresser, Konstantinos Dosis, shares what it's like to be taking part in Sydney WorldPride 2023.

Brisbane honours ANZAC spirit with Greek Orthodox memorial services

His Grace Bishop Bartholomew of Brisbane led ANZAC Day commemorations on Saturday, April 25, conducting a Memorial Service.