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

Archbishop Makarios visits Bondi memorial to honour victims of terror attack

His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia has visited the site of the deadly terrorist attack at Bondi.

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia cancels festive events for Day of Reflection

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia has announced it will participate in the National Day of Reflection on Sunday, December 21.

Sydney Olympic members move to call EGM as concerns grow over the club’s future

Members and supporters of Sydney Olympic Football Club have formally moved to convene an Extraordinary General Meeting.

‘The beginning is half the whole’ as Greek Community honours VCE high achievers

GCM hosted its annual High Achievers Awards to recognise the academic achievements of VCE students of Greek heritage.

Perfect 100 in Modern Greek: Paris Xanthoudakis celebrates standout HSC result

Paris Xanthoudakis has achieved a perfect score of 100 in Modern Greek Beginners and an ATAR of 95.70. Read more here.

You May Also Like

Darwin GleNTi serves up culture, community and kilos of Greek cuisine

The aroma of grilled meats and the sound of Greek music filled the air as thousands packed Darwin’s Esplanade for the beloved GleNTi Festival

Dean Kalimniou presents ‘Pontus the Opera’ lecture in Melbourne

This year’s Pontian Genocide Memorial Lecture was presented by author, lawyer and Greek Genocide recognition activist Dean Kalimniou.

Flu death toll raises to 77 in Greece as seventeen people die in past week

The number of flu deaths in Greece since last October has risen to 77, according to the National Health Organization (EODY)