5 Powerful Insights on International Women’s Day: History, Role of Women & Path to Equality

International Women’s Day—a phrase we hear every year on March 8, but have we ever paused to ask, why does it still matter? Is it just another date on the calendar, or does it hold a deeper significance?

For over a century, this day has been a symbol of resistance, progress, and change. But as we step into 2025, can we truly say that women everywhere enjoy equal rights, opportunities, and freedom? Have we shattered the glass ceiling, or are we still knocking against it?

As I reflect on this, I realize that while we’ve come a long way, the journey isn’t over. And that’s exactly why International Women’s Day is not just a celebration—it’s a call to action.

The Journey of International Women’s Day: A Historical Perspective

"The history of all times, and of today especially, teaches that women will be forgotten if they forget to think about themselves." – Louise Otto-Peters

International Women’s Day (IWD) has a long and rich history that spans over a century. It is not just a day of celebration but a testament to the struggles and triumphs of women worldwide. The evolution of IWD reflects global movements for gender equality, labor rights, political representation, and social justice.

The Early Sparks: 1908-1910

The roots of International Women’s Day can be traced back to March 8, 1908, when 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding: Shorter working hours, Better wages and The right to vote.

At the time, women were subjected to poor working conditions, exploitation, and disenfranchisement. Inspired by these protests, The Socialist Party of America declared the first National Woman’s Day in the U.S. on February 28, 1909​.

Soon after, the movement gained international momentum. In 1910, Clara Zetkin, a German activist and leader of the ‘Women’s Office’ for the Social Democratic Party in Germany, proposed the idea of a globally recognized Women’s Day at the Second International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen​.

This proposal was unanimously supported by over 100 women from 17 countries, leading to the first-ever official celebration of International Women’s Day in 1911.

The First International Women’s Day: 1911

The first official International Women’s Day was celebrated on March 19, 1911, in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. More than one million women and men took to the streets, rallying for: Women’s right to vote, Equal pay, The right to hold public office and An end to workplace discrimination.

However, just a few days later, tragedy struck. On March 25, 1911, the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire in New York City claimed the lives of 146 workers—mostly young immigrant women. This tragic event highlighted the dangerous working conditions women faced and further fueled labor rights movements​.

The Russian Revolution and the Official Date: 1917

While International Women’s Day was celebrated across Europe in the following years, it wasn’t tied to a fixed date yet. That changed in 1917, when women in Russia played a pivotal role in one of the most significant political upheavals in history.

On March 8, 1917 (February 23 in the Julian calendar used in Russia at the time), thousands of women textile workers in Petrograd (modern-day St. Petersburg) went on strike, demanding: “Bread and Peace” (an end to food shortages and World War I), The right to vote and Better working conditions.

The strikes quickly escalated into mass protests, and within days, Tsar Nicholas II was forced to abdicate. The provisional government that took over granted Russian women the right to vote—one of the earliest instances of female suffrage in a major country​.

In honour of this monumental movement, March 8 was officially established as International Women’s Day and recognised in communist countries like the Soviet Union.

Recognition by the United Nations: 1975

For decades, International Women’s Day was primarily observed in socialist and communist countries, where it was used to highlight women’s contributions to labor and the economy.

However, the feminist movements of the 1960s and 1970s led to increased global recognition of gender issues, pushing for wider adoption of IWD. In 1975, which was declared International Women’s Year, the United Nations officially recognized March 8 as International Women’s Day​.

To further solidify its importance, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution in 1977, encouraging member states to observe the day in alignment with their national traditions and histories​.

Today, International Women’s Day is recognised in over 100 countries, with millions of people participating in marches, discussions, workshops, and campaigns promoting gender equality.

Women Who Shaped the Fight for Equality

The fight for gender equality has been led by countless brave women who challenged societal norms, faced adversity, and made remarkable strides in securing rights for future generations. These trailblazers hailed from diverse backgrounds but shared a common vision—a world where women have equal opportunities, representation, and freedom.

Global Icons Who Paved the Way

1. Sojourner Truth (1797-1883) – The Voice of Justice

“If the first woman God ever made was strong enough to turn the world upside down, all alone, together women ought to be able to turn it right again!”

Born into slavery in the United States, Sojourner Truth escaped and became a powerful advocate for abolition, women’s rights, and racial justice. Her 1851 speech “Ain’t I a Woman?” questioned the prevailing notions of gender inequality, emphasizing that women, regardless of race, deserved equal rights. She was also the first Black woman to win a court case against a white man, successfully rescuing her son from slavery​.

2. Susan B. Anthony (1820-1906) – The Suffragist Who Defied the Law

“There never will be complete equality until women themselves help to make laws and elect lawmakers.”

A pioneering figure in the women’s suffrage movement in the United States, Susan B. Anthony co-founded the National Woman Suffrage Association (NWSA) with Elizabeth Cady Stanton. She was arrested in 1872 for illegally voting, leading to a trial that highlighted the injustice of women’s disenfranchisement. Though she didn’t live to see the 19th Amendment passed in 1920, which granted women the right to vote, her relentless advocacy laid the foundation for future victories​.

3. Frida Kahlo (1907-1954) – The Artist Who Defied Gender Norms

“Feet, what do I need you for when I have wings to fly?”

Frida Kahlo, one of Mexico’s most famous artists, used her art to challenge societal expectations about women. Her deeply personal paintings depicted feminine struggles, disability, identity, and politics. At a time when women were expected to conform, Kahlo’s bold self-expression and unapologetic exploration of taboo subjects, such as miscarriage, female pain, and gender identity, made her a feminist icon​.

4. Simone de Beauvoir (1908-1986) – The Mother of Modern Feminism

“One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman.”

Simone de Beauvoir was a French philosopher whose book The Second Sex (1949) is considered one of the most important feminist texts of all time. She argued that women were shaped by societal expectations rather than biological destiny. Her work questioned the deep-rooted patriarchy and inspired the second-wave feminist movement, which focused on reproductive rights, workplace equality, and breaking stereotypes​.

5. Malala Yousafzai (1997-Present) – The Youngest Nobel Laureate

“I raise my voice—not so that I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard.”

Born in Pakistan, Malala Yousafzai became a global symbol for girls’ education and women’s empowerment after surviving an assassination attempt by the Taliban at just 15 years old. She continued to advocate for education and gender equality, co-founding the Malala Fund and becoming the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014​.

Indian Women Who Fought for Equality

1. Savitribai Phule (1831-1897) – India’s First Female Teacher

“Awake, arise and educate. Smash traditions—liberate!”

Savitribai Phule was a pioneer of women’s education in India. At a time when educating girls was considered taboo, she and her husband, Jyotirao Phule, established the first school for girls in India in 1848. She faced extreme opposition, including social ostracism, yet remained steadfast in her mission to eradicate caste and gender discrimination through education​.

2. Sarojini Naidu (1879-1949) – The Nightingale of India

“We want deeper sincerity of motive, a greater courage in speech, and earnestness in action.”

Sarojini Naidu was not only a gifted poet but also a fierce advocate for India’s independence and women’s rights. She played a crucial role in the Civil Disobedience Movement and was the first woman to become the President of the Indian National Congress. Later, she became the first female Governor of an Indian state, inspiring generations of women in politics​.

3. Captain Lakshmi Sahgal (1914-2012) – The Warrior for Freedom and Equality

“I am prepared to give my life for the cause of Indian independence.”

A revolutionary leader, Captain Lakshmi Sahgal was part of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army (INA), where she commanded the all-women regiment, Rani of Jhansi Regiment. After independence, she worked as a doctor and social activist, fighting for women’s healthcare and workers’ rights​.

4. Kiran Bedi (1949-Present) – India’s First Female IPS Officer

“The focus is what is right before you—to give it your best. It sows the seeds of tomorrow.”

Breaking stereotypes, Kiran Bedi became India’s first female Indian Police Service (IPS) officer in 1972. She introduced prison reforms, tackled drug abuse, and worked towards empowering marginalized women. Her fearless approach toward justice made her a role model for women in law enforcement​.

5. Kalpana Chawla (1962-2003) – India’s First Woman in Space

“The path from dreams to reality does exist. May you have the vision to find it, the courage to get on to it, and the perseverance to follow it.”

Kalpana Chawla broke barriers by becoming the first Indian-origin woman to go to space. She proved that gender and nationality could never be a barrier to achieving greatness. Tragically, she lost her life in the Columbia Space Shuttle disaster in 2003, but her legacy continues to inspire young women to pursue careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)​

The Role of Women in Society: Then and Now

Women have been the backbone of societies for centuries, contributing as caregivers, educators, leaders, and change-makers. Despite historical oppression and systemic barriers, they have continuously challenged norms, broken stereotypes, and reshaped the world.

Women’s Role in Ancient Societies: Power and Oppression

Historically, the role of women in society varied based on culture, geography, and economic structures. In some civilizations, women held positions of power, while in others, they were relegated to domestic roles.

• Ancient India: Women in the Vedic period (1500–500 BCE) enjoyed equal rights in education, philosophy, and social participation. Influential figures like Gargi and Maitreyi were revered scholars. However, over time, societal norms restricted women’s freedoms, leading to practices like Sati, child marriage, and purdah (veiling).
• Ancient Egypt: Women could own property, work, and even rule as Pharaohs, like Queen Hatshepsut.
• Ancient Greece & Rome: Women were largely excluded from politics and education. However, figures like Hypatia of Alexandria emerged as pioneers in science.
• Medieval Europe & India: Women were often confined to domestic roles. The influence of religion and feudalism further restricted their rights. However, figures like Joan of Arc and Rani Lakshmibai defied societal expectations and led military campaigns.

During these eras, while some elite women had influence, the majority were denied education, property rights, and political participation.

The Turning Point: Women in the 19th and 20th Century

The Industrial Revolution (18th-19th century) marked a significant shift in women’s roles. With factories emerging, women moved from domestic work to industrial labor. However, they were paid far less than men and faced unsafe working conditions.

Women’s Struggles and Movements

This era also saw the rise of feminist movements, advocating for:
The right to vote – The Suffragette Movement in the U.K. and U.S. secured voting rights for women (1920 in the U.S., 1918 in the U.K.).
The right to education – Pioneers like Savitribai Phule in India opened the first school for girls (1848).
Abolition of discriminatory practices – Social reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy fought to ban Sati.

By the mid-20th century, women started entering universities, workplaces, and politics. In India, women played a key role in the independence movement, with Sarojini Naidu, Kasturba Gandhi, and Aruna Asaf Ali at the forefront.

Women’s Role in the 21st Century: Progress and Challenges

The 21st century has brought unprecedented progress for women. However, gender disparities still exist in various spheres.

Women Who Are Reshaping the World Today

Many women today are breaking barriers and inspiring future generations. Here are some notable figures:

1. Malala Yousafzai – Nobel laureate fighting for girls’ education.
2. Gita Gopinath – First female Chief Economist at the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
3. Kamala Harris – First female U.S. Vice President.
4. Avani Chaturvedi – India’s first woman fighter pilot.
5. Falguni Nayar – Founder of Nykaa, India’s leading beauty brand

Why Do We Still Need International Women’s Day?

Despite the strides made toward gender equality, International Women’s Day (IWD) remains crucial in addressing persisting issues, challenging stereotypes, and advocating for a more inclusive society. Some argue that women have achieved equal rights in many areas, but the reality is far more complex—barriers to gender parity still exist in education, employment, politics, safety, and social norms.

How Can We Make a Difference?

Empowerment starts with small, consistent actions. Here’s what we can do:

Educate the next generation – Teach young boys and girls about equality.
Support women-owned businesses – Economic empowerment is key to progress.
Encourage workplace inclusivity – Advocate for equal pay and opportunities.
Raise awareness – Use social media to highlight women’s achievements and issues.
Call out discrimination – Speak up against biases, whether at home or in the workplace.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Day

To honor this day, we must do more than just acknowledge women’s struggles—we must actively work to dismantle the systems that hold them back. Change does not come from grand speeches or temporary campaigns; it comes from the choices we make every day—in our homes, workplaces, and communities. It is in how we raise our children, how we challenge outdated norms, and how we support and uplift the women around us.

Because when women rise, societies thrive. When women are empowered, economies grow, communities prosper, and the world becomes a better place for all. The fight for gender equality is not just a woman’s fight—it is a collective responsibility.

The question is no longer, “Why do we need International Women’s Day?”
The real question is, “What will YOU do to make a difference?”

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References

Cook, M. (2024, January 4). 16 women throughout history who famously fought for equality. Business Insider. https://www.businessinsider.com/women-who-fought-for-rights-2018-8#:~:text=Sojourner%20Truth%20(1797%2D1883),for%20gender%20and%20racial%20equality.&text=Sojourner%20Truth%20was%20an%20African,at%20the%20age%20of%2029

United Nations. (n.d.). Background | International Women’s Day | United Nations. https://www.un.org/en/observances/womens-day/background

International Women’s Day. (n.d.). History of International Women’s Day. https://www.internationalwomensday.com/Activity/15586/The-history-of-IWD