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

Mediterranean diet health benefits update with new info

By Lisa Radinovsky from Greek Liquid Gold. The health benefits of the Mediterranean diet have earned it widespread fame, from social media and TV to cookbooks and...

Rare 3rd millennium BC burial discovered during excavations in Rafina, Attica

A highly significant Early Bronze Age pithos burial, dating from 3200 to 2000 BC, has been uncovered in Rafina.

Greece rolls out digital passport system to speed up applications and boost security

Greece has introduced a new digital platform that modernises the way passport applications are processed.

From Kythera to Boston: The Greek pianist setting fire to classical music

Kyriakopoulos has already carved out a career that places him amongst the most promising Greek pianists with international acclaim.

John Doulgeridis’ Carlisle Homes among Australia’s quiet profit giants

John Doulgeridis is among a new wave of reclusive entrepreneurs whose success has only recently been quantified.

You May Also Like

Sydney to honour Greek Independence Day with grand commemoration at Opera House

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia (GOAA) and GOCNSW have announced the celebration of Greek Independence Day on March 23.

Christian Porter’s defamation barrister, Sue Chrysanthou, faces legal action

A friend of the woman who accused Christian Porter of rape has made a Federal Court bid to stop Sue Chrysanthou, SC, from acting for him.

From patient to pioneer: How Maria Kavallaris is transforming childhood cancer treatment

Today, eight out of 10 children will survive cancer thanks to the advances of modern medicine and the dedication of cancer researchers.