INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY: Where it all started.

International Women’s Day is a global occasion dedicated to celebrating women across all nationalities, ethnicities, cultures, economics, or political groups for their contributions and achievements. It is also a date to celebrate how far women have come in all spheres. This occasion is celebrated on March 8th every year.

The Genesis

International Women’s Day originated from movements made by women since the 1800s in New York to break stereotypes hindering the recognition and rights of women. The first movement was observed in 1848 when women were barred from speaking at an anti-slavery convention. Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucretia Mott, and Carrie Chapman Catt organized the first women’s rights convention, the Seneca Falls Convention. The convention was to demand an equal place and rights for women in civil, social, and political spaces.

 In 1857, female textile workers organized the first strike by women workers. They protested against unfair working conditions and unequal rights. They additionally called for a reduction of working hours from 14 hours and decent wages. Later, in 1908, women workers in needle trading protested against child labor and sweatshop working conditions and demanded women’s Suffrage – the right to vote. These demands were echoed by the Seneca Falls Convention, which brought together female activists to discuss the limitations of women’s rights. Elizabeth, Lucretia, and Carrie were issued The Progress of Women stamp during the convention.

In 1869, the National Women Suffrage Association (NWSA ) was formed by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony to support the federal Amendment for women’s right to vote in political elections. In 1890, NWSA began a merger and changed its name to the National American Women Suffrage Association (NAWSA). The association’s influence spanned the country and contributed to suffrage wins in the western states. However, campaigns in other states were unsuccessful. Carrie Chapman Catt and Anna Howard Shaw took over NAWSA’s leadership between the 19th and 20th Centuries. During this period, the new leaders devised methods such as parades and open-air meetings in the struggle to push for women’s right to vote. The first national women’s suffrage parade was in 1913. By the end of 1916, Carrie Catt turned NAWSA to fight for Women’s suffrage rights in the state referenda and a federal amendment, which made the fight more successful. Her initiative led to the passage of the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote.

Why March 8th?

The roots of March 8th go back to the significant events of the women’s uprising to call for reduced working hours, fair working conditions and wages, and voting rights. In May 1908, the Social Party of America declared the last Sunday of February a National Women’s Day to commemorate the protests held by the women workers in needle trading. 

In 1910, at an International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen-Denmark, Clara Zetkin, an activist and advocate for women’s rights, proposed to make National Women’s Day an international event to be celebrated globally. This proposal was unanimously approved by 100 women from 17 countries who attended the conference. Clara Zetkin’s proposal did not specify a date.

In 1917, in Russia, St. Petersburg women took to the streets to protest against poor living conditions, war, women’s rights, and hunger. They also demanded the return of their men from the frontline of World War I. The protest was themed Bread and Peace. The demonstrations lasted four days and were supported by 200,000 industry workers. The outcome of the protest was the collapse of the Russian Monarchy and the autocratic Tsarist regime, the establishment of the provisional government, and women being given the right to vote. Despite the protest for peace, the provisional government chose to honor Russia’s commitments to its allies. It continued its participation in World War I. This protest began on February 23rd, 1917, and with its significant contribution to Russia, it is remembered as the February Revolution of 1917.

After the historic turnaround, more countries celebrated the revolution in the years ahead. The event was celebrated on February 23rd, according to the Julian calendar, which was used in Russia at the time. February 23rd translated to the modern calendar, the Gregorian calendar is March 8th; hence, International Women’s Day is celebrated today. Participation in the event has grown. The UN has kept this day since 1975 by adopting a yearly theme. The first theme for International Women’s Day was “Celebrating the Past, Planning for the Future.” 

Thoughts on International Women's Day

International Women’s Day celebrates and creates awareness of women’s strength and purpose. It reminds us that we have a voice and should be included and heard. I want to celebrate firstly, my mother, who taught me that every woman is a dreamer, a dower and an achiever. As a woman, you should stand up for yourself and not wait for others to lift you; you should do something for yourself. This is so that even when you meet someone to settle with, they will complement you. Her upbringing has been beneficial to me, and when I get to talk to younger girls, I remind them to do something for themselves, not to overpower their partner, but to add a sense of confidence in their abilities. Secondly, celebrate how far I have come as a woman. Lastly, all women, especially those who have had to make tough decisions, for instance, a career woman leaving her work to raise her children. We need to embrace and support these women. – Minah, 28yrs, Journalist & online French tutor. 

"In previous times, women have been overlooked and deemed to only have priorities around family. In an attempt to empower and pay homage to women, International Women's Day was created. This day is a means of acknowledging women as an integral part of society, celebrating their achievements, and empowering them. I want to acknowledge my girlfriend, who has played an essential part in aligning us with my beliefs. I will also celebrate my mum's indispensable contribution to my upbringing" – John, 26yrs, Logistics – Clearing and Forwarding. 

"International Women's Day is meant to celebrate and recognize the milestones and achievements women have made over time. It also looks at the future and how to progress in spheres such as education, profession, politics, and fields considered to be male-dominated. In addition, by recognizing women's achievements in history, we encourage young girls to grow up knowing anything is possible and challenge them to do better. I want to celebrate, firstly, my mother; as much as she was raised in times when a woman's place wasn’t recognized, she rose above the stereotypes. I remember a time when our house help injured my brother, and my mother quit her job to take care of us until we were of age. Amazingly, afterward, she would bounce back and get back to work. She sacrificed her career for us but did not give upon it. Another time, my dad was forced into early retirement at the age of 50. At the time we were still dependent on our parents. Since my parents had an age gap of 9 years, my mother was still working and was able to support the family and us completing school. Secondly, Celebrate Caroloe Mutoku who has achieved a lot despite society's pressure and opinions. Lastly, I will celebrate myself I have grown and made strides in my industry.   – Mimmy, 36yrs, transport and logistics Railway operations.

 "International Women's Day is a global celebration dedicated to recognizing the achievements and contributions of women across various fields, advocating for gender equality, and raising awareness about women's rights issues. On this special day, I want to celebrate and honor all the mothers worldwide for their unwavering love, sacrifices, and endless support in shaping and nurturing the next generation. Happy International Women's Day to all the incredible mothers out there!" – Njoroge, 36 yrs, success coach

"The purpose of International Women's Day is to recognize the performance and achievement of women. Historically, a lot of the activities were male-dominated resulting in women lacking space. Therefore, the milestones women have made ought to be recognized so that the women involved in development can encourage their fellow women. The achievements should not be measured against men but by their unique contributions to Education, professional spheres, and politics. On top of that, Women are our grandmothers, mothers, sisters, and daughters, the aspect of nurturing and upbringing of the child is equally a milestone. I want to celebrate all women walking on this earth." – Abraham, 55yrs, System Analyst. 

This day celebrates all women - young, middle-aged, and senior. It reminds us about the honor and dignity that needs to be accorded to all women at all times, regardless of age, race, or occupation. Right from the creation account in Genesis to this day and age, a woman has been the central path in the transmission of life, nurturing human life and preparing us to face this vast world. She can transform us from selfish, demanding babies into people who can live happily with one another. My favorite quote, St. Josemaria Escriva, Founder of Opus Dei, from his Book ‘In Conversations With Monsignor Escriva’ says, "Women are called to bring to the family, to society and to the church, characteristics which are their own and which they alone can give: their gentle warmth and untiring generosity, their love for detail, their quick-wittedness and intuition, their simple, deep piety and their constancy. A woman's femininity is genuine only if she is aware of the beauty of this contribution for which there is no substitute and if she incorporates it into her own life." I want to celebrate my two daughters- Stellah and Immaculate; my mother - Elizabeth Gathenya, My Mum-in-Love Ruth Winnie Awinja; and my Aunt - Lucy Wanjiru Mwaniki. My Baby Sister - Leah Gathenya; My female students and colleagues - Strathmore University; My amazing girls - @Sisters Keepers and The Turendis; My nieces and all my female friends worldwide. - Dr. Esther Khakata, 39yrs, Lecturer, School of Computing and Engineering Sciences.

Today as we celebrate how far women have come, this year’s theme is Inspire Inclusion. This means the world becomes a better place when we respect women despite of their national, ethnic, political religious, and economic backgrounds.

Help me wish all women Happy International Women’s Day!