Each year on 8 March, International Women’s Day is marked all around the world. You may wonder:

What is International Women’s Day all about? Who started it? Is it still relevant in 2025? 

Well, for starters, International Women’s Day as we know it has origins back to 1908 when 15,000 women took to the streets of New York to protest for shorter hours, better pay and working conditions, as well as voting rights!

What is International Women’s Day?

International Women’s Day on 8 March is a day to celebrate the achievements of women, whether social, political, economic or cultural.

What’s the theme for this year?

In 2025, the theme is Accelerate Action— emphasizing the urgency of making faster, more effective strides toward gender equality. It signals that equality cannot wait, and that all sectors of society must work together to quicken the pace of progress for women’s rights and empowerment.

A history of the day

In 1908, thousands of women took to the streets of New York to protest for shorter hours, better pay and working conditions, as well as voting rights.

In 1909, the Socialist Party of America announced a National Women’s Day to honour the strikers.

In 1910, it went global after attendees of the International Conference of Working Women voted for the creation of a Women’s Day. The first International Women’s Day was held in 1911, and more than a million people turned out to rallies in Europe.

In 1975, the United Nations adopted International Women’s Day on 8 March, when it is still held.

Why does it matter?

Because we’re not there yet.

The first women’s march was about ending harmful workplace conditions and exploitation. Sadly, those aims are still relevant today.

Because the rights we have are not secure.

Sometimes after progressive women’s rights laws are established, they are still disregarded.

Because progress hasn’t been equal.

Many women still face compounded challenges in the fight for equality.

How can I get involved with IWD?

  • Learn more: Find out more about the feminist movement and the fight for gender equality.
  • Share with your peers: Celebrate your favourite women, women leaders, or feminist achievements by shouting them out using the hashtag #IWD25 and #AccelerateAction.
  • Be deliberate in your choices: Think about whether there are opportunities to support women’s livelihoods through the media you consume or the products you buy.
  • Donate to a feminist cause: There are countless groups working for gender equality or women’s rights. Consider helping their work with a donation.

Are men welcome too?

Yes, especially when men use their privilege to support gender equality, is a welcome amplification of women’s voices.