International Women’s Day as we all perceive as a day of celebration, but little do we know that it was formed as a result of several protests from women across the globe. The day’s legacy remains steeped in the struggle for women’s rights
The concept of Women’s day started in New York City in February 1908, where thousands of garment worker women went on strike and protested against the working conditions. Unlike today back then the women workers were placed in lower positions with low wages and often experienced sexual harassments. In honor of those strikes, National women’s day was first celebrated in the U.S. on February 28, 1909. Spearheaded by the Socialist Party of America.
During the International Conference of Working Women in 1910, the idea to turn the day into an international movement advocating universal suffrage was established. Clara Zetkin German campaigner and socialist led the movement. The protests for women continued over a period of time and women paraded on streets carrying banners demanding for women rights and better working conditions. In 1914 International Women’s Day was held on March 8th in Germany. In Russian, women demanded and gained the right to vote in 1917.
No matter how many protests happen and Women’s day celebrated, women are still suffering inequality at home and at the workplace. The change should come right from the time we teach our kids how to respect girls and women.
We salute all the wonderful women who make our family and society worth living. Happy women’s day.