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

The Greek government pilots ‘Cultural Prescription’: A holistic health care approach

Something very exciting is happening in Greece! A new and innovative health care program is being piloted here at the moment.

SoulChef Sundays: A Lenten table – Cod & Tahini

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

Patricia Valeri Kotaridis driving change in Formula One fandom

Kotaridis is helping reshape the voice of Formula One fandom, bringing fresh perspective and inclusivity to a sport long dominated by men.

Greece to honour ‘Lady of Ro’ with statue marking legacy of patriotism

On the rocky islet of Ro, plans are moving forward to install a statue honoring Despina Achladioti, widely known as the “Lady of Ro”.

Tommie Tsiamis: ‘Being Greek is an indescribable feeling’

It’s not every day that someone quits a promising career in banking to pursue a career in music, especially in this economy.

You May Also Like

Con Dedes to reboot Sydney harbourside site with new Italian restaurant

Flying Fish owner, Con Dedes and chef, Danny Russo's new Italian seafood restaurant that will open in October at Sydney's Pyrmont wharf.

Greek government transfers more than 5,000 migrants into new ‘tent city’ in under 24 hours

It took less than 24 hours for the Greek government to transfer over 1,150 migrants to the new tent city in Kara Tepe.

Peter Conistis set to open new venue on Sydney’s Oxford Street

Renowned Greek chef, Peter Conistis, is set to open a new venue on Oxford Street in the Sydney suburb of Paddington.