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

Late strike stuns South Melbourne as PNG Hekari seal dramatic OFC Pro League win

A goal in stoppage-time has given PNG Hekari FC their second win of the OFC Pro League, defeating South Melbourne FC 2-1 in Ba, Fiji.

‘We’ll reset and improve’: Michael Melito sets tone after Sydney Olympic coaching change

Sydney Olympic FC Senior Men's Interim Head Coach Michael Melito has vowed to “reset and improve” the club’s season.

Steve Kamper MP under scrutiny as ICAC referral proposed in Parliament

Steve Kamper MP scrutinised as Parliament raises conflict concerns and proposes ICAC referral, with questions on disclosures, business links.

‘Gutted’ Supanova founder Daniel Zachariou speaks out after fatal incident

Supanova founder and director Daniel Zachariou has described the shock of a fatal incident outside the Melbourne convention.

Alexander Economou granted bail over alleged Bondi Beach anti-Israel graffiti offences

Alexander Economou has been released on bail after facing court over allegations he defaced public property with anti-Israel graffiti.

You May Also Like

Immigration Minister Andrew Giles sends message of hope ahead of Christmas

Minister for Immigration, Andrew Giles MP, has issued a special Christmas message for this festive season.

Roland Garros: Stefanos Tsitsipas defeats Medvedev, storms into semifinals

Fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas charged past Daniil Medvedev on Tuesday night to book a place in the Roland Garros semi-final.

‘I always wanted to be a leader and give back’: Randwick City Councillor, Anthony Andrews

Randwick City Councillor, Anthony Andrews, was first elected to Council in 2000 and has been serving Central Ward residents ever since.