International Women's Day, celebrated every March 8, is an emblematic date that honors the historical struggle of women for equality, justice and recognition of their rights around the world. This commemoration not only highlights the achievements made, but also serves as a reminder of the challenges that remain in the search for an equitable society.
Origin and Historical Evolution.
The origins of International Women's Day date back to the early decades of the 20th century, in a context of growing industrialization and labor movements. In 1908, 15,000 women marched through the streets of New York demanding shorter working hours, better wages, and the right to vote. The following year, the Socialist Party of America declared the first National Women's Day on February 28, 1909. However, it was not until 1910, during the International Conference of Socialist Women in Copenhagen, that Clara Zetkin proposed the creation of an International Women's Day, an idea that was unanimously welcomed.
On March 19, 1911, International Women's Day was celebrated for the first time in countries such as Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland, bringing together more than a million people who demanded labor, educational and political rights for women. The choice of March 8 as the official date is linked to the protests of Russian women in 1917, who, in the context of the Russian Revolution, demonstrated to demand "bread and peace," marking the beginning of a series of events that led to the abdication of the Tsar.
Recognition by the United Nations.
In 1975, coinciding with International Women's Year, the United Nations celebrated International Women's Day on 8 March for the first time. Two years later, in 1977, the UN General Assembly officially proclaimed this date as the United Nations Day for Women's Rights and International Peace, urging Member States to commemorate the day in accordance with their historical and cultural traditions.
Significance and Current Objectives.
International Women's Day has evolved into a global platform that addresses a wide range of issues related to women's rights and gender equality. Each year, the UN sets a specific theme to focus activities and discussions on. For example, in 2024, the theme was "Investing in Women: Accelerating Progress", emphasizing the need to allocate resources and efforts to close the gender gap in various areas.
Despite significant progress in recent decades, considerable challenges remain. According to the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report 2023, it is estimated that it will take another 131 years to achieve gender parity globally. This data underlines the urgency of implementing effective policies and actions that promote equality in all sectors of society.
Celebrations and Traditions in the World.
International Women's Day celebrations vary across cultures and countries, reflecting the diversity and richness of local traditions. In Italy, for example, it is customary to give bouquets of yellow mimosa flowers to women as a symbol of respect and solidarity.
Elsewhere, marches, conferences, workshops and cultural events are organised to raise awareness about the importance of gender equality and women's rights.
In Spain, cities such as Benidorm have prepared a series of activities to commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, including exhibitions, talks, workshops, music and theatre.
These initiatives reflect the commitment of local communities to promoting equality and eradicating gender violence.
Importance of Education and Social Awareness.
Education plays a crucial role in promoting gender equality. Organizing educational sessions, sharing inspirational quotes and creating multimedia content are some of the strategies used to raise awareness in society about the importance of empowering women in all settings.
These actions help to raise awareness of the inequality and discrimination that women still face around the world, fostering a culture of respect and equality.
Pending Challenges and Call to Action.
Despite progress, women continue to face significant barriers in a number of areas. The wage gap, underrepresentation in leadership positions and gender-based violence are persistent problems that require urgent attention. Organizations such as the National Human Rights Commission highlight the importance of empowering women, protecting their rights and ensuring that they can reach their full potential.
International Women's Day is an opportunity to reflect on the progress made, acknowledge the challenges ahead and renew the collective commitment to building a more just and equal society. It is a call to action for governments, organizations and citizens, urging them to work together to promote women's rights and eliminate all forms of discrimination and gender-based violence.
March 8th goes beyond a mere celebration; it is a date of vindication and reflection on the fundamental role of women in society and the urgent need to guarantee their rights on equal terms. Through education, awareness and collective action