International Women’s Day, celebrated today, March 8, honors the achievements of women worldwide while advocating for gender equality. Originating in the early 1900s amid growing labor movements, it gained momentum through socialist and feminist activism. Today, it’s a global call to action, acknowledging progress while highlighting the ongoing struggles for women’s rights, empowerment, and social justice.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

International Women’s Day (IWD) was first celebrated in 1911. It began as a call from European socialist women to advocate for better labor conditions, voting rights, and an end to child labor. Over time, it grew from grassroots labor protests to a global movement. This movement united women worldwide in solidarity for their rights and recognition.

The early 1900s saw rapid population growth, radical ideologies, and heightened awareness of women’s oppression. In 1908, 15,000 women marched in New York City, demanding better pay, shorter hours, and voting rights. The U.S. observed its first National Woman’s Day on February 28, 1909, continuing annually until 1913.

In 1911, following a decision in Copenhagen, International Women’s Day was first celebrated in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland on March 19. Over a million people rallied for women’s rights. Just days later, the tragic Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in New York killed over 140 women, mostly Italian and Jewish immigrants. This drew urgent attention to labor conditions and influenced future IWD events.

International Women’s Day has been observed annually on March 8, a date closely tied to the women’s movements of the Russian Revolution. Each year brings a fresh theme that focuses on issues like gender equality, economic empowerment, and the fight against violence. The day serves as a reminder that the road to true equality is still long, especially given recent developments under the Trump administration’s debauchery. Google and Apple, as of this week, have quietly (ahem, cowardly) removed “International Women’s Day” from their corresponding calendars. To that, I send a big middle🖕🏻finger emoji, along with my fellow feminists of all pronouns (hers, his, and theirs)!

MARCH IS WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

Women’s History Month traces its roots back to 1978, when Sonoma, California’s school district, launched a weeklong tribute to women’s contributions to history, culture, and society. Schools hosted special presentations, students wrote about inspiring women in a “Real Woman” essay contest, and a lively parade filled the streets of Santa Rosa. The celebration was brought to life.

The idea quickly gained momentum, spreading to schools, communities, and organizations nationwide. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first official proclamation recognizing National Women’s History Week, coinciding with International Women’s Day on March 8. If you’d like to read that message in its entirety, visit the National Women’s History Alliance (NWHA) website. The following year, Congress cemented the observance with a resolution. By 1987, the NWHA had successfully campaigned to expand the celebration to a full month, ensuring women’s achievements would be honored throughout March every year.

Now, the third month of the calendar year is a time when schools, museums, and organizations across the country reflect on the many contributions of women throughout history—from civil rights leaders to scientists, writers, and artists—showcasing how their voices have shaped and continue to shape society.

INTERSECTIONAL STRENGTH PIONEERING THE PATH TO EQUAL RIGHTS

Black women, in particular, have long been at the forefront of the fight for equal rights and justice, carving out spaces for themselves often dominated by white voices. This intersectionality to the struggle recognized on International Women’s Day is attributed to household names like Michelle Obama, Angela Davis, and Megan Thee Stallion. However, many others – whose names we may never know – have fought tirelessly for equality, often at a substantial personal cost.

While the women’s rights movement often centered on white women’s suffrage and employment protections, Black women fought against both gender and racial oppression, advocating for voting rights, fair wages, and workplace safety. If women’s rights are going to be realized, this also means challenging systemic inequalities and amplifying the voices of marginalized women.

Leaders like Sojourner Truth, Ida B. Wells, and Mary Church Terrell challenged exclusionary feminist narratives. They ensured that the fight for equality addressed the unique struggles faced by Black women. Their activism shaped the broader women’s rights movement and laid the groundwork for future civil rights battles, reminding the world that true equality must be inclusive of all women.

THE POWER OF ADVOCACY FOR GENDER EQUALITY

Contrary to some belief, men have a key role in advancing women’s rights. President Barack Obama championed fair pay, family leave, and workplace equity. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, promotes feminist leadership in government. Activists like Ziauddin Yousafzai fight for girls’ education, and public figures such as Ban Ki-moon and Benedict Cumberbatch support gender equality through the HeForShe campaign.

More males standing up, speaking out, and fighting for women’s rights, please. This isn’t just a women’s cause – this is a human rights issue.

WAR ON WOMEN

Today, as we and the world recognize monumental milestones, challenges remain. Under the Trump administration, many advancements women fought for and continue to fight for face significant setbacks. The administration’s rollbacks of policies protecting women’s reproductive rights, threats to Title IX, which protects people from discrimination based on their gender, and the opposition to the Equal Rights Amendment are reminders of the fragile nature of progress. Women’s access to healthcare, equal pay, and reproductive freedoms have become battlegrounds, with advocates fighting tirelessly to preserve hard-won rights.

Despite these setbacks, women have continued to rise. The #MeToo movement erupted under the Trump presidency. It pushed back against systemic sexual harassment and abuse and demanded justice in the workplace and beyond. Activists, politicians, and everyday women alike are rallying in protests, marches, and calls for change. Even in times of adversity, the fight for gender equality is unyielding, and we are not going back.

HONORING WOMEN PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE

As we honor both Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, it’s important to reflect on the history of these observances. Today and every day isn’t just about celebrating past victories, though. It’s about igniting the momentum for the ongoing battle for women’s rights—reminding us that equality is a fight that never truly ends and requires each generation to carry the torch. In the face of challenges, the resilience of women remains a force to be reckoned with, making the future brighter and more just for all.

Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day are pillars of advocacy, celebration, and action, each rooted in a rich history of women pushing boundaries, challenging systems, and demanding equality. And in that spirit, here at The Road Linds Travels, I’m excited to announce my Celebrating Women Series!

I’ll be sharing the profiles of women who have inspired and/or impressed me in one way or another. It’s more important than ever to raise each other up and celebrate our victories (no matter how large or small) while acknowledging the uphill battle we, as females, often traverse to get to those victories. A significant part of celebrating where we are is reflecting on where we came from and the moments that shaped our identities while gaining resilience.

Stay tuned!