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

‘Paravasis’ Comedy Gala set to bring sharp new voices to the Greek Festival of Sydney

Bold, unapologetic and deliberately disruptive, the Greek Festival of Sydney’s Greek Australian Comedy Gala 'Paravasis' is returning in 2026.

AI and bilingualism at the centre of Professor Ioannis Galantomos’ Macquarie Uni visit

Visiting Sydney as part of his sabbatical, Ioannis Galantomos, Professor of Applied Linguistics at the University of Thessaly.

‘Ta Nisia’: Con Kalamaras on Estudiantina of Melbourne’s journey from tradition to ownership

Following the success of their debut album Journey to Rebetika, Estudiantina of Melbourne return with Ta Nisia (The Islands).

Pythagoras Greek School marks new academic year with Agiasmos blessing

Pythagoras Greek School has marked the beginning of the new school year with the traditional Agiasmos service.

Greek Australians feature prominently in 2026 SA Power 1000 list

Several Greek Australians have been recognised in the 2026 Power 1000, a comprehensive ranking of SA’s most influential figures.

You May Also Like

Online seminar to focus on ‘Raising Bilingual Children in Victoria’

A Victorian School of Languages (VSL) event titled ‘Raising Bilingual Children in Victoria’ will be held online on Thursday, 7 November.

On This Day: Famous Greek comedian, Thanasis Veggos, passed away

One of the most influential and best Greek comedic actors of all time, Thanasis Veggos, passed away on this day.

Labor announces plan to boost Australia’s community language schools

A plan to boost Australia's community language schools was announced earlier today by Shadow Minister for Education Tanya Plibersek in Sydney