Origins and Early Struggles

The seeds of International Women’s Day (IWD) were planted in 1908, when 15,000 women marched through the streets of New York City, demanding shorter working hours, better pay, and the right to vote. It was the Socialist Party of America that declared the first National Woman’s Day a year later.

The idea to make the day international came from a remarkable woman named Clara Zetkin. In 1910, during the International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen, she proposed the concept. At the conference, 100 women from 17 countries unanimously agreed to her suggestion.

Global Celebration Begins

In 1911, International Women’s Day was first celebrated in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland.

Official Recognition and UN Themes

In 1975, the United Nations officially began celebrating International Women’s Day. The first theme adopted by the UN in 1996 was “Celebrating the past, Planning for the Future.”

A Day of Reflection and Action

International Women’s Day serves as a date to celebrate how far women have come in society, politics, and economics. It also reminds us of the political roots of the day, where strikes and protests are organized to raise awareness of continued inequality. The date is March 8th.

Let’s delve into some key moments in the history of women fighting for their rights:

1. The Uprising of 30,000 Women Shirtwaist Makers (1908):
   • On March 8, 1908, thousands of women garment workers marched through the streets of New York City, demanding shorter working hours, better pay, and the right to vote.
   • This historic demonstration led to the formation of the first permanent trade unions for women workers in the USA.
   • The courage and determination of these women laid the groundwork for future labor movements and women’s rights advocacy.
2. The Match Girls Strike (1888):
   • In London’s East End, teenage girls and young women toiled in the Bryant & May matchmaking factory under appalling conditions.
   • They faced long working hours, fines for minor infractions, and health risks due to white phosphorus exposure.
   • Inspired by social reformer Annie Besant’s exposé, around 200 match workers went on strike in 1888.
   • Their solidarity sparked sympathy strikes by 1,400 other East End workers.
   • The strike resulted in improved pay, abolition of fines, and better working conditions.

In more modern times the Grunwick dispute of 1976 is an example of women fighting for their rights at work. In the hot summer of 1976, women workers from the Grunwick photo processing laboratory in London took a stand.

• Most of the staff were migrants of South Asian origin, working low-paid factory jobs to support their families.
• Jayaben Desai, a Grunwick worker, walked out and set up a picket line, demanding respect and fair treatment.
• Joined by 137 other strikers, they formed a trade union and garnered massive support.
• The Grunwick strike highlighted the intersection of gender, race, and labor rights.

Clara’s idea for an International Women’s Day had no fixed date initially. However, it gained formal recognition during a war-time strike in 1917 when Russian women demanded “bread and peace.” Four days into the women’s strike, the Tsar was forced to abdicate, and the provisional government granted women the right to vote.

The date of the women’s strike on the Julian calendar, which was then in use in Russia, was Sunday, February 23rd. In the Gregorian calendar, this corresponds to March 8th, the day we celebrate International Women’s Day today.

Solidarity’s Role

As members of Solidarity, we honour the legacy of those who fought for our rights. Let us continue to stand together, amplify women’s voices, and work toward a world where every woman’s contribution is recognized and valued.

Remember, solidarity knows no boundaries—it unites us across industries, borders, and generations. Happy International Women’s Day!