Imagine working in a place where wages are unfair, conditions are inhumane, and the only expectation is your obedience. Now, imagine that one day you and your colleagues decide to say, “Enough!” and take to the streets to demand better pay and working conditions. Sounds like a dystopian movie plot, right? But that’s exactly what happened on March 8, 1857, in New York City.
Difficult Times Ahead
On that day, garment workers, enduring horrific conditions, endless hours, and low pay, went on strike. They demanded better wages and working conditions. Although the police attacked and dispersed them, these women persisted, and their movement led to the establishment of the first women’s labor unions.
In the early 20th century, their movement blossomed. New York City’s streets again saw women march demanding shorter hours, better pay, an end to child labor, and the right to vote in 1908. Leading labor organizers sought to strengthen the movement internationally. At the Conference of Working Women held in Copenhagen in 1910, Clara Zetkin asked over 100 women from 17 countries—representing unions, socialist parties, and women’s working clubs—to pass a motion for an International Working Women’s Day. They did so unanimously, and thus International Women’s Day was born.
International Women’s Day is not a day for receiving flowers and hearing empty compliments. It is a historical reminder that women had to—and still have to—fight for basic rights. From the right to vote to equal pay, from bodily autonomy to ending gender-based violence, every small victory has been won through immense effort and resistance.
Not Over Quite Yet
Now, in the 21st century, the fight for women’s rights continues, but with an added challenge: some concepts that were once clear are now deliberately being obscured. Suddenly, fundamental issues such as what it means to be a woman, the rights that have been won, and gender equality have become topics of debate as if they were mere opinions rather than established facts. This confusion only serves to make the struggle even harder for those who already fight daily to exist with dignity.
And no, before anyone tries to argue otherwise: celebrating International Women’s Day is not “whining,” it is not victimhood, and it is certainly not a privilege. It is a necessity. It is an act of respect for history, a reminder that the battle is far from over, and a commitment to future generations so they do not have to fight for the same rights that should already be guaranteed.
So If today women hold leadership positions, vote, pursue education, and make their own choices, it is because others came before them and paved the way—often with blood, sweat, and tears (yes, I kind of love Churchill’s speech). And if anyone thinks that everything is settled, just take a look at the statistics on violence against women, the still glaring wage gap, and the countless judgments a woman faces simply for existing and wanting to be in control of her own life.
So, this International Women’s Day, how about doing something different?
Instead of posting a generic tribute on social media, take real action: question inequalities, support the women around you, educate yourself on women’s struggles, and, above all, show some respect. Because the memory of those who fought for us to be here should never be erased.
Now I want to know: what does this day mean to you? How do you perceive the fight for women’s rights in today’s world? Let’s talk in the comments! 😊😉
Editor’s Note: This article is intended for informational purposes and should not replace professional medical or psychological advice. If you experience any concerning issues, please consult a healthcare professional. Additionally, AI tools were used in parts of this text to assist us in the content and refine what we had.
