Every year on March 8, the world celebrates women around the world, hailing their unwavering spirit and courage on International Women’s Day.
A day that honours the struggles of women and their fight for equal rights, votes and visibility, International Women’s Day (IWD) now is marked by diverse events connecting and uplifting women everywhere.
But the day has a long history stretching back to the early 1900’s. Here’s everything you need to know about the history and legacy of International Women’s Day.
What is the history behind International Women’s Day?
In the early 1900’s the oppression of women and prevalent inequalities urged more women to become vocal and active parts of campaigning for change.
The first historic moment came in 1908 when 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter hours, better pay and voting rights.
From the following year (1909) to 1919, the first National Woman’s Day (NWD) was observed across the United States on February 28, as declared by the Socialist Party of America – with the day being observed on the last Sunday of February until 1913.
Amidst this, in 1910, Leader of the ‘Women’s Office’ for the Social Democratic Party in Germany, Clara Zetkin proposed the idea of an International Women’s Day, where every year in every country there would be a celebration of women on the same day.
In 1911, International Women’s Day was honoured for the first time in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland on 19 March.
Meanwhile, in 1913-14, Russian women observed their first International Women’s Day on February 23.
Later on February 23, 1917, Russian women began a strike for “Bread and Peace” in response to the death of over two million Russian soldiers in World War 1.
Continuing their strike for four days until the provisional Government granted women the right to vote. The day the strike began – Sunday, February 23 on Julian calendar – was March 8 on the on the Gregorian calendar, laying the foundation for IWD in March.
Finally, in 1975, International Women’s Day was marked for the first time by the United Nations. The UN went to introduce annual themes for Women’s Day – starting with “Celebrating the past, Planning for the Future” – 1996 followed by themes like “Women at the Peace table”, “Women and Human Rights”, “World Free of Violence Against Women”, and so on every year.
What is the theme for International Women’s Day 2026?
The theme for the International Women’s Day 2026 is Give To Gain, a campaign encouraging generosity, reciprocity and the power of supporting each other.
The theme encourages people, organisations, and communities to support women in whatever ways possible whether that be through donations, education and training or resources, infrastructure, visibility, advocacy – or simply giving your time to help create a safe, supportive and interconnected world for the advancement of women.
Why is March celebrated as Women’s History Month in USA?
In 2011, on the 100-year anniversary of the first IWD event held 100 years prior in 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland, then- President of the United States Barack Obama declared March to be “Women’s History Month.”
The intention was to mark to reflect upon and celebrate the incredible role of women in shaping the country.
Today, leaders, organisations, charities and celebrities all continue to celebrate IWD – and Women’s History Month – around the world with mainstream, inclusive events and activities happening worldwide.
Happy International Women’s Day to all the amazing women out there! Visit Lyrical Muse for more global coverage on the most important dates of history.
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