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

SoulChef Sundays: Flavours with soul – A Greek journey on your plate

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

Teen injured in stabbing outside Vanilla Lounge in Oakleigh

Police are investigating a stabbing incident outside Vanilla Lounge in Oakleigh, Melbourne on the evening of Friday, April 17. Victoria Police confirmed to The Greek...

Sydney Greeks head to Adelaide’s Festival Hellenika with film and literary showcase

Festival Hellenika is one of the Greek world’s most important cultural festivals. Led by Dr Adoni Fotopoulos.

Lake Kremasta tourism innovator revives Greek alpine escape

Entrepreneur Panagiotis Makris is revitalizing Lake Kremasta tourism and boosting the rural economy of the “Switzerland” of Greece.

A century on, Cypriot and Australian wartime ties meet again in Lakemba

A century after fighting side by side, Cypriot and Australian histories reconnect in Lakemba as the Cyprus Community marks ANZAC Day.

You May Also Like

AHEPA NSW honours OXI Day with special commemorative event

AHEPA hosts celebration of 28 Οctober 1940, and opened with the recitation of 'The Ode' by Mrs Margaret McIInroy,

Peter Mamouzelos aims to play in Greece as rugby league grows

Peter Mamouzelos has expressed his ambition to play rugby league in Greece, a goal that has been hindered in the past due to the sport's ban.

Greece fail to qualify for Euro 2024

Greece has missed out on a place at the Euro 2024 after losing to Georgia 4-2 on penalties. Read more here.