The History of International Women's Day on 8 March, Born from Workers' Struggles

Every year on 8 March, the world commemorates International Women’s Day, or Hari Perempuan Internasional. This observance serves as a moment to honour women’s achievements while reminding of the importance of gender equality in various aspects of life. However, not many people know that the day has its roots in a long history of women’s struggle, particularly regarding labour rights and political rights in the early 20th century.

The history of International Women’s Day is inseparable from the women’s movement demanding fairer working conditions. According to United Nations records, the idea of a dedicated day to mark women emerged from labour movements in North America and Europe in the early 1900s. At that time, many women worked in factories for low wages and long hours. In 1909, the United States commemorated National Woman’s Day, initiated by the American Socialist Party. The celebration was held to highlight the rights of female workers and to encourage women’s participation in politics.

The idea of creating a broader commemoration then emerged a year later. The proposal received support from more than 100 women from various countries who attended the conference. They agreed that a dedicated day was needed to advance campaigns for women’s rights, including the right to vote in elections.

A year later, in 1911, International Women’s Day was first celebrated in several European countries such as Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. At that time, more than one million people participated in demonstrations and activities demanding equal rights for women.