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

SoulChef Sundays: The Easter tsoureki trilogy – scents of love and tradition

Chef Georgia Koutsoukou — the Kalamata-born chef known as “SoulChef” — continues her SoulChef Sundays series with The Greek Herald.

Aleesha Naxakis: From Roselands to the Australia Galaxy Stage

Aleesha is a proud second-generation Australian with roots stretching across Greece – from Crete and Kalamata to Lyfkada and Amaliada.

Dr Louise Makarious’ study reveals hidden maternal death risks years after childbirth

A world-first Australian study has found that one in five maternal deaths in the five years after childbirth are preventable.

‘It’s madness’: Nick Koutsoukos leads fight to save Paddington childcare centre

Parent Nick Koutsoukos leads the fight to save a Paddington childcare centre set to close, leaving families facing a growing childcare crisis.

Greece launches new restoration phase for iconic Larissa theatre

A major new phase of restoration is underway at the ancient Theatre A of Larissa, one of the largest Hellenistic monuments in Greece.

You May Also Like

Sydney Thunder lock in Sam Konstas until 2029 as cricketer chases Test redemption

Australia’s rising cricket star Sam Konstas has deleted Instagram from his phone in a bid to regain focus and revive his Test career.

Music, youth and tradition mark closing of 44th Cretan Federation Convention in Sydney

The final event of the 44th Cretan Federation Convention was held on Monday, January 5, at the Mytilenian House in Canterbury,

British Special Forces storm Greek-owned tanker and arrest hijackers

British Special Forces stormed a Greek-operated oil tanker in the English channel to wrestle control of the vessel from seven stowaways.