International Women’s Day (IWD) is more than just a day of celebration—it’s a powerful reminder of the progress women have made and the struggles that still exist.
Every year on March 8, people around the world recognize women’s achievements, fight for gender equality, and continue the push for a more inclusive future.
But while many people know about the day, there are some fascinating facts about its history and impact that often go unnoticed.
Let’s take a look into ten amazing facts about Women’s Day that highlight just how important this day truly is.
1. It Started as a Protest, Not a Celebration
Many people associate International Women’s Day with flowers, gifts, and social media tributes, but its origins are far from the feel-good holiday it is today.
The first spark came in 1908, when 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding better wages, shorter working hours, and the right to vote. This wasn’t about celebration—it was about fighting for basic rights that were being denied to half the population.
The movement gained momentum, and by 1910, Clara Zetkin, a German activist, proposed the idea of a global Women’s Day to push for equal rights.
The first official IWD took place in 1911, and over one million people joined protests across Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland.
While the day has since evolved, its foundation remains rooted in activism, reminding the world that real progress doesn’t come without a fight.
2. March 8 Became the Official Date Thanks to a Russian Revolution
Women’s Day wasn’t always celebrated on March 8. In the early years, different countries observed it on different dates, and there was no global standard.
That changed in 1917, thanks to a group of fierce Russian women who refused to back down.
On March 8, 1917, thousands of women in Petrograd (now St. Petersburg) took to the streets demanding “bread and peace” in the middle of World War I.
Their protests quickly escalated, leading to massive unrest that forced Tsar Nicholas II to abdicate just days later. As a result, the new government granted women the right to vote, making Russia one of the first major countries to do so.
To honor their impact, March 8 was officially adopted as International Women’s Day, a date that has stuck ever since.
3. It Was Originally a Socialist Movement
Before it became a mainstream event, International Women’s Day was closely tied to socialist and communist movements.
In the early 20th century, the fight for women’s rights was largely led by working-class women who wanted fair wages, better working conditions, and political representation.
The Soviet Union, in particular, was one of the first countries to embrace Women’s Day as an official holiday. By the 1920s, communist countries like China and Cuba also recognized it, using the day to promote women’s rights in the workforce.
Western countries, however, were much slower to adopt the holiday, and it wasn’t until the feminist movements of the 1960s and 1970s that it gained mainstream recognition worldwide.
4. The United Nations Made It Official in 1975
Although Women’s Day had been around for decades, it wasn’t until 1975 that the United Nations (UN) officially recognized it.
That year was declared International Women’s Year, and for the first time, the UN hosted celebrations focused on gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Since then, the UN has played a key role in shaping Women’s Day, introducing annual themes to highlight specific issues. Over the years, themes have focused on everything from violence against women to women in leadership and climate change.
This has helped make Women’s Day more than just a celebration—it’s a global platform for serious discussions on gender equality.
5. Some Countries Treat It Like Mother’s Day, Others Use It for Protests
Women’s Day looks very different depending on where you are in the world. In some countries, it’s a day of celebration, with women receiving flowers, chocolates, and gifts—almost like a second Mother’s Day.
Countries like Russia, Italy, and China have a tradition of giving mimosa flowers to women as a symbol of appreciation.
But in many other countries, Women’s Day is not about gifts—it’s about activism. In places like Argentina, Turkey, and Spain, massive protests and demonstrations take place every year to demand gender equality, fight against violence, and push for women’s rights.
In some nations, Women’s Day marches have even led to policy changes and new laws aimed at protecting women. This dual nature—both a day of appreciation and a day of protest—reflects the ongoing struggle for gender equality across the world.
6. Some Countries Have Made It an Official Holiday
For many countries, Women’s Day isn’t just a symbolic celebration—it’s an actual public holiday where people get the day off.
Countries like Russia, China, Vietnam, and Uganda recognize March 8 as an official holiday, meaning businesses close and workers get a break (though, ironically, not always the women who are supposed to be honored).
In some places, this holiday status has led to a mix of celebration and activism. While some governments use it as a feel-good day to honor women, activists in these countries continue using it to demand real political and social changes.
It’s a reminder that while progress is being made, a day off work doesn’t automatically mean full equality.
7. There’s an Official Color for Women’s Day—And It’s Not Pink
Forget the stereotypical pink that often gets slapped onto anything related to women. The official color of International Women’s Day is purple.
This choice has historical significance, dating back to the early 20th-century women’s suffrage movements. Purple symbolizes justice, dignity, and loyalty to the cause of gender equality.
Some variations exist, with green (symbolizing hope) and white (representing purity) also being historically linked to women’s movements. But purple remains the most recognized color, often seen in IWD banners, logos, and campaign materials.
So, next time you want to show support on March 8, skip the pink and go for something a little more powerful.
8. Women’s Day Is Still Banned in Some Countries
While millions celebrate Women’s Day worldwide, some governments have actively banned or discouraged it.
In places where women’s rights are severely restricted, recognizing IWD is seen as too political and too rebellious—which, to be fair, it is.
Countries with strict gender laws, particularly those that limit women’s rights to vote, work, or protest, often see Women’s Day as a threat. In some regions, activists holding IWD events risk arrest, censorship, or violence for simply speaking up.
This proves one thing—March 8 is not just a day of celebration; it’s still a dangerous fight for equality in many parts of the world.
9. Some Countries Celebrate It More Than Valentine’s Day
In places like Russia, Italy, and several Latin American countries, Women’s Day is taken so seriously that it often overshadows Valentine’s Day.
Men buy flowers, gifts, and chocolates—not just for their wives or girlfriends, but for their mothers, sisters, daughters, and even female colleagues.
Florists make a fortune every year as streets fill with bouquets, particularly of mimosa flowers, which are the official Women’s Day flower in Italy and Russia.
In some countries, schools and workplaces hold ceremonies, and it’s common for women to receive small gifts, even from strangers.
While it’s nice to be appreciated, many activists argue that true respect for women shouldn’t be limited to a single day of gift-giving.
10. Every Year Has a Different Theme
International Women’s Day isn’t just a generic celebration—it has a different official theme each year, set by the United Nations or other major organizations.
These themes focus on specific issues affecting women, from education and economic equality to violence prevention and leadership.
Recent themes have included “Choose to Challenge” (2021), “Break the Bias” (2022), and “DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality” (2023).
These themes shape global discussions, campaigns, and initiatives, making sure that Women’s Day isn’t just about looking back—it’s about continuing the fight for progress.
Final Thoughts
International Women’s Day is more than just a date on the calendar—it’s a day with deep historical roots, shaped by protests, revolutions, and political movements.
It has evolved from a small demonstration in New York to a worldwide movement that continues to inspire change.
While there is much to celebrate, the fight for gender equality is far from over. Women’s Day is a reminder of how far society has come and how much work still needs to be done. Whether it’s celebrated with flowers or protests, one thing is clear—March 8 is a day that truly matters.
