- 8 March
- First kept in 1911
- Marked by the UN since 1975
Where it began
The day grew out of the early 1900s, when women workers in North America and Europe gathered to ask for fair pay, better working hours and the right to vote.
In 1910 an international meeting of women in Copenhagen agreed to hold a women's day every year. The first International Women's Day was held on 19 March 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland.
In 1917, women in Russia gathered on 8 March, and from then on that date became the usual day. The United Nations began marking the day in 1975, the International Women's Year.
How it grew over time
1909
A National Woman's Day is held in the United States.
1910
A women's meeting in Copenhagen agrees on a yearly international day.
1911
The first International Women's Day is held in four European countries.
1917
Women gather on 8 March in Russia, and the date becomes the custom.
1975
The United Nations first marks the day, during International Women's Year.
Today
Schools, workplaces and families thank and celebrate women everywhere.
How it is celebrated in different places
Italy
Women are given sprigs of yellow mimosa flowers.
India
Offices and colleges hold events that honour women who lead and inspire.
Eastern Europe and Central Asia
It is a public holiday in many countries, with flowers and small gifts for women.
China
Many women get a half day off work on 8 March.
International Women's Day moments
International Women's Day today
Today the day is marked with flowers, thank-you notes, talks and awards. Many people use it to thank the mothers, sisters, teachers and colleagues who shaped their lives.
