International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. Significant activity is witnessed worldwide as groups come together to celebrate women’s achievements or rally for women’s equality.
This article explains some interesting International Women’s Day facts, reflecting on its importance and history.
Below are 10 facts about International Women’s Day:
1, Origins of International Women’s Day
The roots of International Women’s Day can be traced back to the early 20th century, amid the growing movements for women’s suffrage and labor rights. Its first near-similar observance was on February 28, 1909, in New York City, where women rallied for better working conditions and the right to vote.
2, The Official Date of March 8, and Women’s Right to Vote in Russia
While International Women’s Day was initially celebrated on various dates, it was eventually standardized to March 8. On February 23, 1917, thousands of female Russian factory workers started a bread riot that soon turned into a massive demonstration throughout Petrograd (current St. Petersburg).
The Russian women’s demonstration was in response to severe food shortage, World War I, and a campaign for gender equality. This uprising, known as the ‘February Revolution’ (according to the Julian calendar in use at the time), began on February 23rd. However, by the Gregorian calendar, it was March 8th, which became synonymous with International Women’s Day.
3, Each Year Has Theme
The IWD 2024 campaign theme is Inspire Inclusion.
When we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, we forge a better world and when women themselves are inspired to be included, there’s a sense of belonging, relevance and empowerment.
The #InspireInclusion campaign aims to forge a more inclusive world for women.
4, Everyone Everywhere Can Support IWD
IWD is not country, group, nor organization specific. No one government, NGO, charity, corporation, academic institution, women’s network, or media hub is solely responsible for IWD. Since IWD’s commencement in 1911, the day has fostered a strong sense of solidarity across the world. IWD is based on community, connection, and collaborative action. As such, IWD is an inclusive day that belongs to all groups everywhere.
With its long history since 1911, groups worldwide openly embrace IWD and mark it in a way that is relevant and meaningful to their own context and circumstances
5, Purple, Green And White Are Colors of International Women’s Day.
Purple signifies justice and dignity, and being loyal to the cause. Green symbolizes hope. White represents purity, albeit a controversial concept. The colors originated from the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) in the UK in 1908.
6, IWD is an Official Holiday in Some Countries
Countries like, Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, China (for women only), Cuba, Georgia, Guinea-Bissau, Eritrea, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Madagascar (for women only), Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Nepal (for women only), Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, and Zambia. In Germany, Berlin’s parliament approved a bill in 2019 to make International Women’s Day a public holiday.
7, International Women’s Day Logo
The logo features a symbol resembling the female gender sign with a raised fist, symbolizing solidarity and the continuous struggle for women’s rights.
8, Women Run The Intelligence Route
One of the highest IQ levels ever recorded belonged to that of Marylin vos Savant. She held the title of ‘Highest IQ in the world’ in the Guinness World Records book for three years in a row, from 1986 to 1989, with an amazing IQ of 228. She went on to become a successful writer and columnist. Go, Marylin.
9, Women Perceive More Smells
Women have always been in positions where they have been required to cook, gather herbs, and take care of others. This has evolved women to become more sensitive to scents and smells.
10, Women Are Inventors Behind The Scenes
Women’s achievements in technology are worth mentioning. Women have been making stunning discoveries and inventions since time immemorial, but they rarely get the credit due to them. Mary Anderson invented the windshield wiper in 1903. Also, it was women who invented disposable diapers, paper bags, non-reflective glass, the foot-pedal trash can, and the dishwasher.
