In Mexico City and around the globe, women are preparing to rally for their rights this Saturday as they commemorate International Women’s Day. Originally acknowledged by the United Nations in 1977, this significant observance is marked by protests and celebrations of varying intensities worldwide. Often politically charged and, at times, marked by unrest, these events underscore the continuing fight for gender equality in workplaces and beyond.
This year, under the theme “Accelerate Action,” activists are focusing on safeguarding the rights that women have long struggled to gain. Concerns have grown about potential regressions in political climates that could jeopardize these rights. U.N. statistics revealed that one in four countries experienced pushback against women’s rights in the past year.
International Women’s Day serves multiple purposes: a global celebration, a heartfelt call to action, and a catalyst for change. Demonstrations and events planned from Tokyo to Mexico City will range from spirited protests to charity runs. These activities emphasize the demand for equal pay, improved healthcare access, justice against gender-based violence, and educational opportunities for girls. Officially a holiday in more than 20 countries, International Women’s Day resonates with diverse cultural expressions.
Social media plays a crucial role in amplifying these voices, especially in countries with restrictive governments that limit women’s rights and dissent. The origins of International Women’s Day trace back to the United States in 1909, where the American Socialist Party first proposed the idea. It was further pushed towards global recognition by a German feminist during a Copenhagen conference in 1910. By 1911, the observance spread across Europe and became intertwined with protests against World War I.
The date March 8 was solidified following a pivotal protest in Russia on February 23, 1917 — March 8 according to the Gregorian calendar used in the West. The protests, initially centered on demands for bread and peace, saw women flooding the streets, eventually joined by men. This historic demonstration was instrumental in catalyzing Russia’s exit from World War I. The U.N.’s official recognition of the day came in 1975, during International Women’s Year, becoming globally formalized in 1977.
Around the world, March 8 is celebrated in unique ways. In Eastern Europe, it is common for women to receive flowers, though some view gifts like chocolates and candy as trivializing their struggles. Turkey’s recent observance saw women defying an official ban in Istanbul, resulting in confrontations with the police. Similarly, in Mexico, one of Latin America’s most significant march locales, the day highlights disparities. While celebrating female leadership, the country also mourns victims of extreme violence against women, underscoring persistent societal struggles.
Globally, a tragic statistic persists: a woman or girl is killed by a family member or partner every 10 minutes. The U.N. indicates that the exposure of women to conflict has surged in the last decade. Academic Kristen Ghodsee from the University of Pennsylvania emphasizes the urgent need to uphold International Women’s Day amid persistent challenges. The reversal of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on abortion rights underscores setbacks faced by women’s movements. This decision, halting nearly 50 years of constitutional protections, has influenced debates in European countries where far-right movements gain steam.
Ultimately, the continuation of International Women’s Day is vital in the fight against the erosion of hard-won rights. As gender equality remains a contentious issue worldwide, March 8 stands as a testament to the enduring resolve of women to claim their place, demanding respect, justice, and equality.
