International Women's Day

International Women’s Day has been celebrated world wide since the early 1900’s.  Its origins are to be found in the struggle for women’s suffrage and equal rights.  Women in Sheffield will celebrate the day on and around the 8th March along with women from different parts of the country and the rest of the world.

 

The idea for a day of women’s celebration began in America in 1909.  It was organised to gain support for the women’s suffrage campaign and meetings were arranged across the country.  The success for the event generated interest worldwide and in 1910 at a women’s conference held in Copenhagen, the proposal was made for an International Women’s Day.

 

Within two years the event had spread beyond America to Europe with celebrations in Germany and Austria, where 30,000 women attended a rally.  The issue that pre-occupied these women was that of suffrage augmented by a general campaign for an improvement in the quality of women’s lives.  By 1912 American women linked their Women’s Day with support for striking textile workers in Massachusetts.  In the same year Swedish women joined together to fight for the right to vote.

 

At first International Women’s Day was held on the last Sunday in February. In 1913 this was changed to 8th March to commemorate the anniversary of the attack on striking women hunger marchers in the textile industry in 1907 by the New York Police Force. The women were marching for improved working conditions.

 

Women had an important part to play in Russian politics for several decades before the commencement of Women’s Day celebrations.  International Women’s Day was used as a focus against growing militarism and the Great War. Women from China celebrated the day for the first time in 1924.  Events in Britain began to be organised in 1926 and continued until the outbreak of World War II in the face of rising fascism. Support for the event dwindled after 1945 except in the Soviet Union and some Eastern European countries.  In the Soviet Union the day became a public holiday in 1965 with a high national profile and since then women have exchanged cards and gifts with family and friends.

 

The growth of the Women’s Liberation Movement in the 1970’s saw a revival of International Women’s Day celebrations. In Britain Equal Pay and Sex Discrimination legislation was also introduced in the 1970’s. In 1971, British women demonstrated in London and Liverpool for a Charter of women’s rights. Set against a backdrop of serious political demands, the events set a precedent in that they were made in an atmosphere of carnival, sisterhood and optimism.

 

The United Nations designated 1975 as International Women’s Year in an effort to improve the status of women worldwide. Women were encouraged to strive for change.  For over 30 years from the 1970’s to the 2,000’s there have been many celebrations, festivals, events and marches to celebrate the day.  In Britain large festivals and numerous smaller events have become an important annual occasion in many women’s lives.  Over the years International Women’s Day has evolved from being solely a political event to one of cultural significance, a celebration of women’s creativity in aspects of their lives and work.

 

Despite the fact that women in Britain have secured the vote and have certain rights enshrined in law, women still have a long way to go before real equality is achieved.  International Women’s day is about raising awareness and celebrating women’s achievements for all women. The building of international contacts and the sharing of women’s experience on a worldwide basis has been the cornerstone of previous celebrations.  It is the basis of women’s confidence in building a better world.

 

You can access more information about International Women's Day and find out what events are happening near you this year through the International Women's Day website.