By Valery Samara
International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated every year on March 8th. It is a day to honor women's achievements, raise awareness about gender equality, and advocate for women's rights around the world. Here’s a brief history of this important holiday.
The suffragette movement was a crucial part of the fight for women's rights and is deeply connected to the history of International Women's Day. The suffragette movement was a campaign for women's right to vote (also called suffrage). It began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in many countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and others. Suffrage – Избирательное право Suffragette – Суфражистка Campaign – Кампания Vote – Голосовать Protest – Протест
In the early 20th century, women in many countries were fighting for better working conditions, the right to vote, and equal rights. In 1908, 15,000 women marched in New York City, USA, demanding shorter working hours, better pay, and the right to vote. This event inspired the idea of a day to celebrate women's struggles and achievements. In 1909, the first National Women's Day was celebrated in the United States on February 28th. Working conditions – Условия труда Right to vote – Право голоса Equal rights – Равные права March – Марш, шествие Achievements – Достижения
In 1910, Clara Zetkin, a leader in the women's rights movement from Germany, proposed the idea of an International Women's Day at a conference in Copenhagen, Denmark. Over 100 women from 17 countries agreed, and the idea was born. The first International Women's Day was celebrated in 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. More than one million people attended rallies and events to demand women's rights to work, vote, and hold public office. Leader – Лидер Women's rights movement – Движение за права женщин Conference – Конференция Propose – Предложить Idea – Идея
During World War I (1914-1918), International Women's Day became a day for women to protest war and fight for peace. In 1917, women in Russia went on strike on March 8th (February 23rd in the Russian calendar at the time), demanding "bread and peace." This strike played a key role in starting the Russian Revolution. Four days later, the Russian government granted women the right to vote. Protest – Протестовать Peace – Мир Strike – Забастовка Demand – Требовать Revolution – Революция
For many years, International Women's Day was celebrated mainly in socialist and communist countries. However, in 1975, the United Nations (UN) officially recognized March 8th as International Women's Day during International Women's Year. Since then, the UN has celebrated the day every year, focusing on different themes like education, health, and ending violence against women. United Nations (UN) – Организация Объединенных Наций (ООН) Officially recognize – Официально признать Theme – Тема Education – Образование Violence – Насилие
Today, International Women's Day is celebrated in many countries around the world. It is a public holiday in some places, like Russia, China, and Uganda. People celebrate by holding marches, honoring women's achievements, and raising awareness about gender equality. Public holiday – Государственный праздник March – Марш Achievements – Достижения Raise awareness – Повышать осведомленность Gender equality – Гендерное равенство
It reminds us that women have fought for their rights and continue to do so. It celebrates the progress women have made in areas like education, work, and politics. It highlights the challenges women still face, such as inequality, discrimination, and violence. It encourages everyone to work together to create a world where men and women are treated equally. Progress – Прогресс Challenges – Проблемы, вызовы Inequality – Неравенство Discrimination – Дискриминация Violence – Насилие
Why do you think International Women's Day is important? How do you think life would be different today if women could not vote? What other rights do you think are important for women to have? Who is a woman you admire, and why? What are some ways we can support gender equality in our daily lives? How is International Women's Day celebrated in your country?
