A Legacy of Strength: The History and Ongoing Struggle
of International Women’s Day

March 8th is more than a celebration—it is a call to action for gender equality,
labor rights, and social justice.

By Ayşe Derya Kahraman, PhD
March 8, recognized as International Women’s Day (IWD), has its roots in the labor movements of working women fighting for equal rights, fair wages, and improved working conditions. This historical connection has sparked ongoing discussions about whether IWD should be a day of celebration or remembrance and whether its proper name should be International Women’s Day or International Working Women’s Day.
This article explores the evolution of March 8, shedding light on its social and historical significance. Understanding the journey behind IWD allows us to better appreciate its role in advocating for gender equality and women’s rights.

Historical Roots: The Struggle for Women’s Rights
Two key events shaped March 8 as a significant date in history:
◗ The 1857 New York Textile Workers’ Strike: On March 8, 1857, approximately 40,000 female textile workers in New York protested for equal pay and shorter working hours. The strike ended with police intervention, leading to numerous casualties and highlighting the injustices faced by women in the workforce.
◗ The 1908 Cotton Factory Fire: On March 8, 1908, another tragic event occurred when 129 female textile workers lost their lives in a factory fire while protesting poor working conditions and low wages. This disaster further emphasized the need for labor rights and workplace safety for women.

Recognizing these injustices, the International Women’s Conference in Copenhagen (1910) led by Clara Zetkin, proposed an annual Women’s Day to advocate for gender equality. The first mass observance took place on March 19, 1911, in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland, focusing on women’s suffrage, labor rights, and equal pay.
In 1921, at a conference in Moscow, March 8 was officially designated as International Women’s Day, honoring past struggles and reinforcing women’s fight for equality.

Women in the Workforce: Progress and Challenges
Despite significant strides in gender equality, disparities in employment remain widespread. In leading economies such as Sweden (40%), Denmark (38%), France (31.9%), Germany (35%), and the US (41.6%), women make up a large portion of the workforce. However, most women work in part-time or low-skilled positions, limiting their access to promotions, paid leave, and job security.
Recognizing these inequalities, the United Nations declared 1976–1985 the “Decade for Women,” promoting equal rights, economic development, and peace. The first UN Women’s Conference was held in 1975, addressing employment, education, and healthcare as fundamental pillars of women’s empowerment.
In 1977, the UN General Assembly officially recognized March 8 as “International Women’s Rights and Peace Day,” reinforcing the link between women’s empowerment and global peace.

International Women’s Day Today
While progress has been made, women’s rights advocacy remains essential. Education inequality continues to be a major barrier, with two-thirds of the world’s illiterate population being women. March 8 serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles and a call to action for gender equality, fair wages, and workplace rights.
Each year, the UN sets a theme for IWD. The 2025 theme, announced by UN Women, is:
“Rights, Equality, Empowerment for All Women and Girls.”
This theme highlights the importance of equal opportunities and acknowledges the leadership roles of young women in shaping the future.

The Colors and Symbols of International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day is symbolized by three colors:
◗ Purple – Represents justice, dignity, and the strength of feminist movements.
◗ Green – Symbolizes hope and women’s fight for freedom.
◗ White – Stands for purity and the ideal of gender equality.

These colors originated from the Suffragette movement in 1908, becoming universal symbols of women’s rights activism. ■

The Symbolic Flower of March 8: The Mimosa

Since 1946, the mimosa flower has been the emblem of women’s solidarity and resilience, particularly in Italy.

Why the Mimosa?
◗ Affordability – It was accessible to all, even after World War II economic hardships.
◗ Seasonal Bloom – It blossoms in early March, symbolizing renewal and hope.
◗ Resilience – Despite its delicate appearance, it is a strong and enduring flower, much like women’s strength and perseverance.

In Italy and many other countries, gifting mimosa flowers on March 8 has become a tradition, honoring women’s contributions and struggles.

Final Thoughts
March 8 is more than a day of celebration—it is a day of remembrance and continued advocacy for gender equality, labor rights, and social justice. Although women have gained greater representation in politics, business, and education, disparities still exist.
International Women’s Day serves as a global platform to reflect on past achievements and amplify the fight for women’s rights, ensuring a more equitable future for all.