The Women’s Narrative: The Origins and Importance of International Women’s Day

With March fast approaching, International Women’s Day is right around the corner. This day is an opportunity to reflect on the influential women of our past and present and, as the Canadian government’s website puts it, “celebrate women’s and girls’ social, economic, cultural, and political achievements.” Though the day dates back to over 100 years ago, its role in emphasizing the importance of gender equality and acknowledging the accomplishments of women throughout history make it highly relevant in the modern day.

Despite its significance, many are unaware of how International Women’s Day (IWD) came into existence or why it is celebrated on March 8th. As shared by Alexandra Kollontai in her article that shares a name with the current commemorative date, the first day in honour of women’s rights took place in the United States on March 8th, 1908 and was originally a strike of “garment workers in New York” over their working conditions. The women aimed to raise awareness for women in the working class. The Social Party of America created a day honouring the event the following year. The date officially became an international phenomenon in 1911 when men and women alike attended rallies in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. These rallies supported “women’s right to vote, hold public opinion, improve vocational training, working conditions, and end discrimination,” as shared in a publication through the University of Glasgow, written by C. Johnman, F. Sim, and P. Mackie. The date has only grown from there. The United Nations made 1975 International Women’s Year, and the day began being celebrated throughout affiliated countries from that year on.

Today, IWD has taken on a greater meaning. The Government of Canada refers to it as a day of “unity, celebration, reflection, advocacy, and action,” highlighting the many definitions that it has assumed across the world. It plays a role in honouring the women who fought for political rights, women of colour who have overcome oppression, transgender women whom society has refused to see as who they are, and all other women across the nation and globe. The day shows the necessity of commemorating all women, as stated in the government’s IWD theme of 2023, “Every Woman Counts.” The theme aims to remind Canadians that all women deserve rights and a place in society and should be given as much. Despite the progress made since the early years of the day, there is a continuing need for gender equality worldwide. On IWD, Canadians are encouraged to celebrate the impact that women have had and to support the women and girls of today.

A notable quote that is often associated with IWD is by Gloria Steinem states that “the story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights.” The women’s narrative is a collective story, with countless perspectives and experiences impacting the whole. This International Women’s Day, take a moment to consider this story and the many people who have contributed to it over the years. By knowing and sharing the history and importance of this commemorative day, more people contribute to this narrative and the effort toward gender equality.