The first National Women's Day was held in the United States on February 28, 1909. The observance of National Women's Day, announced by the Socialist Party of America, stemmed from the political and labor activism of working women. As women entered America's newly industrial workforce, many experienced grueling working conditions, unequal pay, and poor workplace protections. National Women's Day honored women's efforts for labor rights and suffrage.
In 1910, Women's Day spread internationally when German activist Clara Zetkin introduced it at the second International Conference of Working Women. Throughout the next decade, several countries began observing it. However, the holiday did not become International Women's Day until 1975, when the United Nations first observed it on March 8.
This year's International Women's Day has the theme #ChooseToChallenge. What can you and your communities do to challenge inequality? How can you advocate for yourself and for women with different experiences from you? International Women's Day has a rich history that reminds us how when communities come together, we can achieve great things.
You can learn more about the history of International Women's Day here.
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