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

Celebrating Greek creative talent on International Women’s Day in Adelaide

International Women’s Day was marked in SA with a powerful celebration of women’s leadership, creativity and cultural expression.

Historic IWD event unites 18 Greek and Cypriot women’s organisations in Melbourne

History was made as the first International Women’s Day celebration jointly hosted by 18 Greek and Cypriot women’s organisations.

Greek Australian comedians bring big laughs moving beyond stereotypical ‘ethnic comedy’

The Greek Festival of Sydney’s second annual Greek Australian Comedy Gala, Paravasis, brought the house down at the Sydney Comedy Store.

From family stories to scholarship: Dr Kritikakos launches book on genocide memory

The stories that inspired historian Dr Themistocles Kritikakos to write his first book did not begin in an archive or lecture theatre.

Earlwood Wanderers secure first ever Australia Cup win

Earlwood Wanderers made history with their first Australia Cup victory, defeating Shoalhaven Heads Berry FC 7-0.

You May Also Like

Greece’s president Katerina Sakellaropoulou sends message against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia

On International Day against Homophobia, Greece’s president, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, is taking a stand against homophobia, biphobia and transphobia.

Katsogiannis: Cyber Crime is “under-reported…and it’s not being investigated enough”

Cybercrime is the fastest growing crime type across the world and is constantly developing in conjunction with new technology.

Nisyros enters a new era following UNESCO Geopark recognition

Nisyros in the southern Aegean is entering a new phase of development after joining the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network in 2025.