International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated annually on 8 March. It is a focal point in the movement for women's rights.

When Did International Women's Day Begin?

In 1909, in New York City, the Socialist Party of America organised a National Women's Day; believed to be the earliest of its kind.

A year after, in 1910, the International Socialist Women’s Conference suggested Women's Day should be an annual event, however, no official date was set.

In 1917, on 8 March, women gained the right to vote in Soviet Russia, furthermore, the day would also become a national holiday.

Finally, in 1975, the United Nations (UN) adopted 8 March as International Women's Day.

International Women’s Day in Petrograd, Russia 1917 (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Why Do We Celebrate International Women's Day?

The focus of Women's Day is on the positive growth in women's rights over the last 100 years, as well as raising awareness of the struggles women still face today.

Some countries celebrate International Women's Day as a public holiday, however, many countries don't.

What is The International Women's Day 2022 Theme?

This year, the 2022 IWD theme is "Break the Bias".

"Imagine a gender equal world.
A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination.
A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.
A world where difference is valued and celebrated.
Together we can forge women's equality.
Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias."

How Can You Support International Women's Day?

"Individually, we're all responsible for our own thoughts and actions - all day, every day.

We can break the bias in our communities.
We can break the bias in our workplaces.
We can break the bias in our schools, colleges and universities.

Together, we can all break the bias - on International Women's Day (IWD) and beyond."

IWD has become and continues to be an iconic day for women worldwide.

The International Women’s Day / Leydon Lettings Logo

The Leydon Lettings logo shows the iconic feminist symbol from the 1960s and early 1970s 'power' movements. The symbol is a purple and lilac astronomical Venus symbol and a clenched fist.

“The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organisation but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights.”

― Gloria Steinem

Whether you’re celebrating or demonstrating – women, today and every other day is your day.