When is International Women’s Day 2025? (+ Background)
International Women’s Day, celebrated every year on March 8th, honors the ongoing fight for gender equality across all areas of society. It’s a time to recognize the progress which has been made up until now, while also reflecting on the changes that are still needed.
Although the fight for gender equality has grown into a global movement, many people still wonder why March 8th was chosen to celebrate this cause. Join Civitatis on a journey through history to explore the meaning of this day, its impact, and inspiring ways you can celebrate International Women’s Day.
Key Dates in the Fight for Gender Equality
According to the United Nations, since the early 20th century, women in the United States and Europe have led protests, demonstrations, and gatherings that laid the foundation for what we now recognize as International Women’s Day on March 8th.
1857
In March 1857, during the Industrial Revolution, female textile workers in New York organized one of the first major public protests to demand better working conditions. At the time, working conditions were generally harsh for everyone, but women were often paid less than half of what their male colleagues earned. The New York police violently repressed the strikers, and while the protest didn’t result in immediate reform, it gained significant attention and set an important precedent in the fight for women’s rights.
Even earlier, in 1848, activists Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott gathered hundreds of people in New York for the first national women’s rights convention in the United States. There, they boldly declared that all men and women were equal.
1908
In 1908, around 15,000 women took to the streets of New York once again to protest, as their working conditions remained unchanged. Their voices were heard, and in 1909, the Socialist Party of America declared National Women’s Day, which was first observed in the United States on February 28th. This tradition continued until the last Sunday of February in 1913.
During this time, Clara Zetkin, a German politician, emerged as a key figure in the movement. She went down in history as the driving force behind International Women’s Day. At the Second International Socialist Women’s Congress, held in Denmark in 1910, Zetkin proposed establishing a global ‘International Women’s Day’ or ‘Working Women’s Day.’ Her idea was embraced by hundreds of women from 17 countries and was unanimously approved.
1911
Just a year after Zetkin’s proposal, on March 19, 1911, the first International Women’s Day was celebrated, bringing together over a million people across several European countries and the United States. Women not only demanded the right to vote but also the right to work, access to vocational training, and an end to workplace discrimination.
The major conflicts of the 20th century helped solidify women’s roles in society, and in the following decades, women’s organizations from other countries joined the growing movement. During the Russian Revolution, on March 8, 1917 (February 23rd in Russia’s Julian calendar), Russian women went on strike, demanding ‘Bread and Peace.’ According to the United Nations, this pivotal moment in feminist history is why International Women’s Day is now commemorated on March 8th.
How to Celebrate International Women’s Day
If you’re eager to dive deeper into the stories of the women who have played a key role in the fight for gender equality, here are some ways you can celebrate Women’s Day, wherever you are!
1. Explore Women’s History in Your City
Check out local museums, historical landmarks, or exhibitions highlighting influential women. The mark left on the world by remarkable women is undeniable.
In London, Florence Nightingale revolutionized modern nursing, Mary Wollstonecraft laid the foundations of modern feminism with A Vindication of the Rights of Woman, and Emmeline Pankhurst led the fight for women’s suffrage in Britain. Their legacies are woven into London’s history, from Westminster to the Florence Nightingale Museum.
In New York City, Discover the stories of Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, who were at the forefront of the U.S. women’s rights movement, or visit sites like the Fearless Girl statue and the Women’s Rights Pioneers Monument in Central Park.
If you’re in Dublin, learn about Countess Markievicz, the first woman elected to the British Parliament, and Rosie Hackett, a trade union activist who fought for better working conditions for women.
If you’re not living in one of these cities, there is plenty of information online. Research influential women in your hometown! Many cities also have feminist walking tours or guided visits focused on women’s contributions to history, art, and politics:
2. Support Businesses Owned by Women
Another powerful way to celebrate International Women’s Day is by supporting women entrepreneurs and business owners. Economic independence has always been a key part of the fight for gender equality, and choosing to buy from women-led businesses helps create more opportunities and visibility for them. Whether it’s a local bookstore, a small café, an independent fashion brand, or an online shop, every purchase is a step toward a more balanced and equitable economy.
3. Donate or Volunteer
International Women’s Day is also a time to take action beyond celebrations and reflection. Many organizations around the world work tirelessly to support women’s rights, whether by providing education, advocating for legal protections, supporting survivors of violence, or creating economic opportunities. Support organizations working for women’s rights, such as:
- Malala Fund (education for girls)
- UN Women (global gender equality)
- Women for Women International (empowerment programs)
4. Attend Talks and Events
Many universities, cultural institutions, and organizations host panels, workshops, and lectures discussing gender equality, women’s rights, and feminism. Check out what’s happening near you!
There you have it! That was a brief history of International Women’s Day and some tips on how to celebrate it. Celebrate this day with the women in your life by enjoying tours and activities with Civitatis!
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