Learn about the controversial origin of International Women’s Day

To know the origin of the first day that women were honored, we must go back to February 28, 1909, the date on which, a year before, a strike by textile workers and women of the Socialist Party of the United States was called. to also protest against working conditions in New York in 1908.

This special date began to gain more strength in 1917, when in Russia women made the decision to protest again, this time, for “bread and peace”, also at the end of February, however, in the Gregorian calendar it was 8 of March. This series of strikes led to the adoption of women’s suffrage in Russia, according to UNESCO.

Since then, International Women’s Day also took on a new global dimension for women residing in developed and developing countries. Today, March 8 is an important date that commemorates and supports women’s rights in society, politics, culture and economy.

«The promotion of gender equality is a priority mission of UNESCO. In all areas corresponding to its mandate (education, culture, science, communication and information), UNESCO makes every effort to promote the access of girls and women to all sectors of education and training, remove obstacles that hinder their personal and professional development, and allow them to enjoy better representation in cultural life, the media and sciences. Whether it is literacy programs for young girls or the sponsorship of experienced women scientists, UNESCO is multiplying initiatives to combat the discrimination suffered by girls and women and to value their skills and talent,” says the message that the Director General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay issued on the occasion of International Women’s Day.

The foundations laid by the brave women at the beginning of the 20th century allowed us to build this day where, currently, marches are organized around the world to fight for women’s rights to reduce the wage gap compared to men, since some sectors, organizations and companies maintain the policies of the past; In addition, these marches also ensure that women are protected against gender violence in all its forms.

On this special date for women, little is remembered about its controversial origin that erupted from the ashes of female precariousness in the labor sector that developed with strikes, demonstrations, and even altercations with the police in question.

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