Lucknow (Nistha Agarwal): It all started back in 1908 when a brave group of 15,000 women in New York decided they had enough. Tired of enduring low pay and horrible working conditions in the factories, they took to the streets in a bold strike. Their message was clear: change is needed. This act of resistance sparked a fire for women’s rights that would blaze for years to come.
The following year, the Socialist Party of America took the momentum and declared the very first National Women’s Day to honour these courageous women and their fight for justice. But the movement didn’t stop there. In 1910, at a groundbreaking conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, a visionary by the name of Clara Zetkin proposed a special day to fight for equality and women’s right to vote—a revolutionary idea that would go on to resonate globally.
By 1911, the concept had grown legs across Europe, and International Women’s Day was celebrated for the first time. Women across the continent rallied, demanding their rightful place in society—whether in the workplace, at the voting booth, or in their communities.
Fast forward to 1975, and the United Nations officially recognised March 8th as International Women’s Day. This day would become a global celebration—a time to honour the struggles, achievements, and contributions of women throughout history.
From a handful of brave women in New York to a worldwide movement, “International Women’s Day” now serves as a reminder of the power of solidarity, the courage to speak up, and the unwavering fight for equality. The journey isn’t over, but every year, we mark this day to celebrate the incredible progress we’ve made and reaffirm the work that still lies ahead.
