International Women's Day is a globally recognized occasion celebrated annually on March 8, as designated by the United Nations. This special day aims to raise awareness of women's political, economic, and social rights and to celebrate their achievements. It also marks an important milestone in the women's rights movement.
History
The origins of International Women's Day date back to 1908 when 15,000 female textile workers in New York organized a march demanding shorter working hours, better wages, and the right to vote.
In 1910, Danish socialist leader Clara Zetkin proposed that March 8 be recognized as "International Women's Day" to emphasize women's rights and equality.
The first international celebrations took place in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland in 1911.
In 1977, the United Nations officially declared March 8 as International Women's Day, and since then, it has been celebrated every year with a different theme.
Why March 8?
There are various perspectives on why March 8 was chosen as International Women's Day.
One of the most widely accepted reasons is that the February Revolution in Russia, which led to the end of the Tsarist regime in 1917, was triggered by women's strikes and protests that began on March 8.
Another significant event is the socialist women workers’ rally in New York on March 8, 1908, where they demanded union rights and suffrage.
Additionally, the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in New York on March 25, 1911, is considered a key moment that raised awareness about the poor working conditions of women workers.
According to official statements by the United Nations, the selection of March 8 was particularly influenced by the women's strikes in Russia in 1917.
March 8 in Türkiye
International Women's Day was first celebrated in Türkiye in 1921, thanks to the efforts of two sisters, Rahime Selimova and Cemile Nuşirvanova. However, these celebrations were later restricted for many years.
In 1975, following the United Nations’ declaration of the "Decade for Women," awareness of women's rights increased in Türkiye, leading to the organization of the "Women's Year Congress" in the same year. Since then, March 8 has been officially celebrated in Türkiye.
2025 International Women's Day Theme
For 2025, the United Nations has set the theme for International Women's Day as "For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment."
The theme for this year has been chosen as ‘Accelerate Action’ on the International Women's Day website.
The organisation encourages people around the world to use the hashtags #IWD2025 and #AccelerateAction when sending positive solidarity messages for women and girls.
Let’s support women's rights for a fairer, more equal, and empowered world!
