The Journey of International Women's Day and the Rise of Women's History Month

From Protests to Progress

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03/03/2025 Histories
The Journey of International Women's Day and the Rise of Women's History Month

International Women's Day, observed annually on March 8th, is a vibrant global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. But its roots lie not in celebratory bouquets and corporate sponsorships, but in the fiery furnaces of early 20th-century labor movements and the urgent cry for women's suffrage. Understanding this history is crucial to appreciating how a single day of protest morphed into a month-long dedicated to women's history.

The Seeds of a Day: Labor, Socialism, and Suffrage in the Early 20th Century

The genesis of International Women's Day is deeply intertwined with the burgeoning socialist movements and labor unrest of the early 1900s. The late 19th and early 20th centuries were periods of rapid industrialization, marked by harsh working conditions and vast inequalities, particularly for women. Across Europe and North America, women working in factories faced long hours, low wages, and dangerous environments.

Here are key moments that contributed to the emergence of IWD:

  • 1908: The New York Garment Workers' Strike: In February 1908, thousands of women garment workers in New York City marched and went on strike demanding better pay, shorter hours, and voting rights. This bold action, while not explicitly called "Women's Day," is often cited as a pivotal moment showcasing women's collective power and demands.
  • 1909: National Woman's Day (United States): Inspired by the 1908 strike, the Socialist Party of America declared the first National Woman's Day on February 28th, 1909. It was observed across the United States with rallies and marches advocating for women's suffrage.
  • 1910: The International Socialist Women's Conference in Copenhagen: This conference, attended by over 100 women from 17 countries, is where the idea for an "International Women's Day" truly took root. German socialist and women's rights advocate Clara Zetkin proposed the concept. Crucially, the resolution adopted did not specify a fixed date but agreed to an annual "Women's Day" to be celebrated in every country, primarily to promote women's suffrage.
  • 1911: The First International Women's Day: On March 19th, 1911, the first International Women's Day was celebrated in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. Over a million women and men participated in rallies and demonstrations, advocating for women's right to vote, to work, to vocational training, and to end discrimination in the workplace. This first IWD, though not on March 8th, was a resounding success.
  • 1913-1914: Shifting to March 8th: While initially celebrated on various dates, by 1913, International Women's Day was starting to be transferred to March 8th. In 1914, just before World War I, International Women's Day rallies across Europe were dedicated to protesting the war and expressing women's solidarity for peace. It is widely believed that 1914 marked the first time IWD was consistently celebrated on March 8th globally, although the precise reasons for the date shift remain somewhat debated. Some theories link it to the historical significance of March 8th in Russian women's history, while others point to logistical reasons and the growing momentum around that specific date.

From Suffrage to Broader Equality: The Evolving Meaning of IWD

Over the decades, International Women's Day continued to be observed, particularly in socialist countries and by labor movements. In the Soviet Union, it became a public holiday in 1917, and in 1975, during International Women's Year, the United Nations officially recognized International Women's Day.

This UN recognition marked a significant turning point. IWD shifted from being primarily associated with socialist and labor movements to becoming a globally acknowledged day dedicated to women's rights and international peace. The themes broadened beyond just suffrage to encompass issues like:

  • Gender Equality: Advocating for equal opportunities and treatment in all spheres of life, including education, employment, healthcare, and political participation.
  • Peace and Development: Recognizing women's vital roles in promoting peace and sustainable development globally.
  • Celebrating Women's Achievements: While rooted in protest, IWD also evolved into a day to celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of women throughout history and in contemporary society.

The American Spark: From IWD to Women's History Week and Month

While International Women's Day gained global momentum, its adoption in the United States was less prominent initially. However, the seed for recognizing women's history in a more sustained way was planted in the US, ultimately blooming into Women's History Month.

Here's how IWD paved the way for Women's History Month in the US:

  • Local Initiatives and the Santa Rosa Women's History Week: In 1978, the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County (California) Commission on the Status of Women initiated "Women's History Week" to coincide with International Women's Day. This week-long celebration in Santa Rosa aimed to highlight the contributions of women to society and to address the lack of women's history in school curricula. They chose the week of March 8th, directly connecting it to the spirit and timing of International Women's Day.
  • Presidential Proclamation of National Women's History Week: The idea gained traction. In 1979, groups and individuals across the country advocated for national recognition of Women's History Week. This culminated in President Jimmy Carter issuing the first Presidential Proclamation declaring the week of March 8, 1980, as National Women's History Week. In his proclamation, Carter explicitly stated that "From the first settlers who came to our shores, from the first American Indian families who befriended them, men and women have worked together to build this nation. Too often the women were unsung and sometimes their contributions went unnoticed." He urged Americans to mark the week with observances of women's history.
  • National Women's History Project and the Push for a Month: The National Women's History Project (now the National Women's History Alliance) played a crucial role in advocating for the expansion of Women's History Week. They recognized that a week was simply insufficient to adequately explore the breadth and depth of women's history.
  • Congressional Resolution and Expansion to Women's History Month: In 1987, after years of lobbying, Congress passed Public Law 100-9, which designated March as "Women's History Month." This annual designation officially transformed the week-long observance into a month-long national celebration. From 1988 to 1994, Congress continued to pass resolutions requesting and authorizing the President to proclaim March as Women's History Month. Since 1995, US Presidents have issued annual proclamations designating March as Women's History Month.

Intertwined Legacies: IWD and WHM Today

International Women's Day and Women's History Month, while distinct, are undeniably interconnected. IWD, with its roots in labor movements and the fight for suffrage, provided the historical context and the temporal anchor (March 8th and the surrounding week) that inspired the initial Women's History Week.

Women's History Month in the United States, and similar initiatives in other countries like Canada and Australia who also observe Women's History Month in October and March respectively, broadens the scope of recognition. It allows for a deeper dive into women's history, education, and the celebration of women's diverse contributions over time.

In conclusion, International Women's Day evolved from a day of socialist protest and advocacy for women's rights, particularly suffrage, into a globally recognized day for celebrating women's achievements and advocating for gender equality. The spirit of IWD, especially its timing in early March, directly inspired the creation of Women's History Week in the United States, which subsequently blossomed into Women's History Month. Both IWD and WHM serve as vital reminders of the ongoing struggle for gender equality and the importance of recognizing and celebrating the indispensable role women have played, and continue to play, in shaping our world. They are testaments to the power of collective action, historical awareness, and the enduring pursuit of a more just and equitable future for all.

Acknowledging and Celebrating Lesbian, Trans, and Queer Historical Contributions

It's crucial to acknowledge the profound and often overlooked contributions of lesbian, trans, and queer individuals to women's history. Their impact spans various fields, from activism and arts to science and politics. Here are some key areas and figures:

Activism and Civil Rights:

  • Sylvia Rivera: A transgender Latina activist, Rivera was a pivotal figure in the Stonewall Uprising. She co-founded the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR) with Marsha P. Johnson, providing support to homeless LGBTQ+ youth. Her activism highlighted the intersection of gender identity, class, and race within the LGBTQ+ rights movement.
  • Lesbian Activism: Lesbians have been integral to feminist movements, challenging patriarchal norms and advocating for women's autonomy. Their activism has addressed issues such as reproductive rights, domestic violence, and equal rights. Many lesbians were vital to the second wave feminist movement.
  • Intersectionality: Queer women of color have been at the forefront of intersectional feminism, highlighting the ways in which gender, race, and sexuality intersect to create unique forms of oppression. Audre Lorde, for example, was a writer and activist who explored the connections between race, class, and sexuality.

Arts and Culture:

  • Literature and Poetry: Writers like Audre Lorde and Adrienne Rich have produced influential works that explore lesbian identity and feminist themes. Sappho, the ancient greek poet, whose work is the root of the word Sapphic, has had a massive impact on lesbian culture.
  • Performing Arts: Bessie Smith, a prominent blues singer, was openly bisexual and contributed significantly to the development of American music.
  • Visual Arts: Frida Kahlo, a Mexican painter, explored themes of gender and sexuality in her art, and is considered a queer icon.

Science and Exploration:

Sally Ride: The first American woman in space, Ride's legacy includes her contributions to science and her role as an inspiration for women in STEM. After her death it became public knowledge that she had a long term female partner. Key Considerations:

Historical Erasure:

Lesbian, trans, and queer women's contributions have often been marginalized or erased from mainstream historical narratives. It's crucial to actively seek out and amplify their stories.

  • Intersectionality: Understanding the experiences of LGBTQ+ women requires acknowledging the complexities of intersecting identities, including race, class, and ability.
  • Evolving Terminology: Terminology surrounding gender and sexuality has evolved over time. It is important to be respectful of how individuals have identified themselves.

By recognizing and celebrating the diverse contributions of lesbian, trans, and queer women, we gain a more complete and accurate understanding of women's history.

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