In Recognition of International Women’s Day

Union Updates

International Women’s Day originated in the early 1900s during a time of extreme socio-political change brought upon by Industrialization in the Western world. Population growth skyrocketed and paved the way for many new, radical ideologies. The long-standing inequalities and injustices faced by women were moving to the forefront of debate, and women began to fight back against their oppression. 

In 1908, 15,000 women marched through New York City, campaigning for shorter work hours, better pay and the right to vote as equal citizens. As declared by the Socialist Party of America, the first National Women’s Day was observed in the United States on February 28, 1909, and it continued to be celebrated annually on the last Sunday of February until 1913. 

At an International Conference of Working Women held in Copenhagen in 1910, Clara Zetkin, Leader of the Women’s Office for the Social Democratic Party of Germany, proposed the idea of an International’s Women’s Day. Over 100 women from across 17 countries—representing unions, socialist parties and women’s working clubs—unanimously approved the proposal. This is how International Women’s Day came to be. Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland followed suit and recognized the day for the first time on March 19, 1911. The Bread and Roses campaign, in relation to women’s suffrage, was also observed in 1911. Learn about it here. 

Russian women first observed International Women’s Day on February 23, 1914 – the eve of World War I. March 8 was eventually agreed upon to be the internationally recognized annual date of International Women’s Day and has remained so since. Further to the onset of the first World War, 1914 marked a year of many rallies held by women to fight against the war and show women’s solidarity. 

Although it wasn’t until 1975 that the United Nations first observed International Women’s Day, the 1990s saw three consecutive major International Women’s Day campaigns including “Women at the Peace Table” (1997), “Women and Human Rights” (1998), and “World Free of Violence Against Women” (1999). Unfortunately, International Women’s Day initiatives and active campaigns for women’s rights grew stagnant in the early 2000s. 

But with 2011 marking the 100-year anniversary since the birth of International Women’s Day, and the subsequent rise of fourth-wave feminism making way for a major shift in focus toward society’s views on gender equality and liberty from oppression, women’s issues are back front and centre in the socio-political spotlight. Now more than ever, women are leading organizations in executive roles, receiving greater visibility for their efforts and achievements, and being granted the rights and freedoms that should have always been theirs. 

While there is still much work to be done in the way of creating equal opportunities for women and empowering them in all facets of the socio-political sphere, we’ve certainly come a long way. So, on March 8, and every single day, let us celebrate and empower past, present and future generations of women from all over the world.

Ways to get involved

On International Women’s Day, let us celebrate the significant social, cultural, political, economic and domestic achievements of women across the world. Let’s take a moment to reflect on all the women who have played an essential role in our lives. The Alberta Federation of Labour (AFL) reminds us that “Breaking the Bias” is a timely and relevant theme. 

As we continue to navigate the adverse effects of a global pandemic and regain our bearings, we can see that many challenges and gaps in equality have emerged. We must never waver in our efforts to fight for equality and the abolishment of oppression. The following are some ways to get involved in International Women’s Day this year (courtesy of AFL).

  • Wednesday, March 9, 2022: CFRAC – Celebrating Women in our Community on International
    Women’s Day Webinar. This free online event will be held on Wednesday, March 9, 2022, from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. (MST) Funke Olokude (Executive Director at Ribbon Rouge) and Adetoun Abby Aiyeleye (Co-Founder of Clavis Studio) will share their stories as well as discuss important social changes helping to empower women.
  • Sunday, March 13, 2022: W4RE – International Women’s Day Web Forum Keep the momentum going to build a people’s agenda to achieve our rights and empowerment! Hear what various grassroots groups have planned and build the connections between the “fighting women” from a wide variety of struggles and movements. Women and all humans welcome!
  • March 6-13, 2022 CLC – International Women’s Day Social Media Actions This International Women’s Day, Canada’s unions are highlighting the critical importance of care work and calling for greater support for care workers and investments in Canada’s care systems. While International Women’s Day takes place on Tuesday, March 8, we encourage you to share these materials anytime during the week of March 6-13, 2022. Below you will find a comprehensive package of social media assets, including images and sample messaging. We encourage you to share these with your contacts and through your social media channels.

Our key messages for International Women’s Day in 2022

  • Care work is the foundation of the economy. It is the labour that allows all other work to happen.
  • Without care services our society couldn’t function. Everyone needs care at some point in their lives.
  • Care work is critical infrastructure that supports families, communities and the economy.
  • Globally, women and girls perform the majority of care and domestic tasks. Being responsible for these tasks can prevent them from accessing education or paid employment.
  • Racialized women are disproportionately represented among care workers – working in paid care jobs while juggling their unpaid care responsibilities at home.