A brief history of International Women’s Day
Image: Women workers in 1920s. Photo: commons
By RAQUEL BLANKEVOORT
International Women’s Day celebrates the effort and achievements of women around the world, while recognising there are still barriers in place that prevent them having the same success and equality as their male counterparts.
International Women’s Day was first tabled in 1910 by German leader of the Women’s Office for the Social Democratic Party, Clara Zetkin. After receiving unanimous support from over 100 women representing 17 countries, the following year on March 19, the first International Women’s Day was celebrated.
In Australia however, the first International Women’s Day didn’t take place until 15 years later in Sydney, after protests organised by the Militant Women’s Movement called for equal pay for equal work. By 1931, annual marches were launched in Sydney and Melbourne with marches continuing today.
It wasn’t until 1975 that the United Nations formally adopted March 8 as International Women’s Day.
Since then, International Women’s Day has become a day for reflection on how far women have come whilst acknowledging how much work still needs to be done to achieve equal pay, equal opportunities and equal bodily autonomy, and recognising the historic women who committed their lives to this cause.
With this, International Women’s Day provides a platform for women to come together to express their struggles and development, with the hope of inciting opportunities to unite, network and collaborate to encourage meaningful change and conversation. The International Women’s Day website curates, collects and promotes hundreds of events, brunches and educational talks both virtually or in person to ensure the voices of all women are recognised.
From heartfelt community lead events like We Elevate IWD lunch in Marrickville, where attendees can enjoy some nibbles and celebrate women who have each other’s backs, to enjoying a beautiful breakfast while listening to inspirational and motivational speakers at Empower, rise, thrive: Women crafting new horizons in Waterloo, Sydney celebrates IWD.
There is power in education, and ensuring female voices are heard is an essential objective of International Women’s Day.
Visit International Women’s Day website for information on events:
www.internationalwomensday.com
Or visit your local council website to see what they have planned for this year’s International Women’s day celebration.
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