International Women’s Day (IWD) has a long and complicated history, with roots that some critics link to Marxist ideologies. Observed annually on March 8, this day is celebrated worldwide to honor women’s achievements and advocate for gender equality. However, recent discussions have raised questions about its origins and the implications of its historical context.
The day was first marked in the early 20th century, with its roots traced back to the socialist movements in Europe. In 1910, Clara Zetkin, a German socialist, proposed the idea of an International Women’s Day at a conference in Copenhagen. She emphasized that the day should support women’s suffrage and align with socialist principles. The following year, the first National Woman’s Day was celebrated in the United States on February 28.
The significance of March 8 grew in 1917 when women in Petrograd (now St. Petersburg) organized a strike demanding "peace and bread." This event is often cited as a catalyst for the Russian Revolution. By 1922, Vladimir Lenin officially recognized March 8 as Women’s Day in honor of the role women played in the revolution. Over the years, the observance became a national holiday in the Soviet Union and other socialist countries.
Fast forward to today, and the celebration has evolved. The official IWD website highlights themes of gender equality, diversity, and inclusion, moving away from its Marxist roots. It promotes a vision of a world free from bias and discrimination, encouraging collective action to achieve gender parity. However, some critics argue that this sanitization of the day’s origins obscures its historical significance.
In recent years, the celebration has garnered support from various corporations and organizations, which some see as an attempt to commercialize the day. Critics claim that this shift has led to a disconnect from the original socialist message, which focused on the struggles of working women.
As International Women’s Day approaches each year, discussions about its history and meaning continue. While many celebrate the progress made toward gender equality, others reflect on the day’s past and the ideologies that shaped it. The conversation around IWD serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight for women’s rights and the importance of understanding the roots of such movements.