The beginnings of International Women’s Day can be traced back to the early twentieth century. It emerged from the activities of labour movements in North America and Europe and reflected a growing call for women’s equal participation in society. The earliest reported Women’s Day observance, called National Woman’s day was held on February 28, 1909, in New York City, organized by the Socialist Party of America the suggestion of activist Theresa Malkiel. The International Women’s Day first took place on March 19, 1911, in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. That day, over a million women and men attended public events to show their support. Other countries began to observe and celebrate this day in the years that followed. The United Nations recognized 1975 as International Women’s Year and began celebrating March 8 as International Women’s Day
HAPPY WOMEN’S DAY
