Beyond Flowers And Festivities: A Historical And Institutional Analysis Of International Women's Day - IMPRI Impact And Policy Research Institute

Riya Rawat

“The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights.” — Gloria Steinem

I. Introduction

International Women’s Day (IWD), observed annually on March 8th, transcends mere celebrations of womanhood to serve as a powerful call for gender equality, labor rights, and political representation. Originating in the early 20th-century labor movements, IWD has evolved into a globally recognized event, championed by the United Nations and grassroots organizations. It highlights both the progress achieved in women’s rights and the enduring disparities that necessitate continued advocacy. This article traces the historical roots of IWD, its institutionalization by the UN, contemporary challenges, and India’s contributions to women’s empowerment, underscoring the persistent need for systemic change.

II. Historical Roots: Labor Movements and Early Activism

Early Socialist Movements

The genesis of IWD can be traced to the socialist and labor movements of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which sought to address the exploitation of working-class women. In 1908, 15,000 female garment workers marched through New York City, demanding shorter working hours, better pay, and voting rights. Inspired by this activism, the Socialist Party of America declared the first National Women’s Day in 1909.

Clara Zetkin and the First International Women’s Day (1911)

In 1910, German socialist Clara Zetkin proposed the establishment of an international women’s day at the International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen. The proposal was unanimously adopted, and the first IWD was observed on March 19, 1911, in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland, with over a million people advocating for women’s labor rights, suffrage, and an end to discrimination.

Feminist Movements and Early Recognition

The early 20th-century suffragette movement, spearheaded by figures like Emmeline Pankhurst in the UK and Alice Paul in the US, played a pivotal role in elevating IWD’s recognition. While labor rights remained central, feminist organizations began using IWD as a platform to demand political and social equality. The interwar period saw women in multiple countries gaining voting rights, strengthening the foundation for IWD’s significance.

World War I and the Russian Revolution

IWD’s role in political activism became especially pronounced during World War I. On March 8, 1917, Russian women led a strike demanding “bread and peace,” igniting the February Revolution that led to the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II. This event solidified March 8 as IWD’s official date, marking the confluence of feminist activism and revolutionary politics.

Early International Recognition

Throughout the 20th century, socialist and communist states institutionalized IWD, while Western democracies were slower to adopt it. However, the rising global feminist movement in the 1960s and 70s pushed for broader recognition of the day beyond socialist contexts, leading to its eventual formalization by the United Nations.

III. The United Nations and Institutionalization of International Women’s Day

UN’s Formal Recognition (1975)

The United Nations declared 1975 as International Women’s Year and officially recognized March 8 as International Women’s Day. In 1977, the UN General Assembly invited member states to proclaim IWD as a day to promote women’s rights and global peace.

Key UN Conferences and Declarations

The UN has since played a pivotal role in advancing the global feminist agenda. Key milestones include:

The Four World Conferences on Women: Mexico City (1975), Copenhagen (1980), Nairobi (1985), and Beijing (1995).
The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995): Considered the most comprehensive global policy framework for gender equality.
CEDAW (1979): The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women remains a key legal instrument.
UN Women (2010): Established to drive gender equality efforts worldwide.

Thematic Priorities and Global Campaigns

The UN annually selects IWD themes to address contemporary challenges. Recent themes include DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality (2023) and Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow (2022), aligning with the broader Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 on gender equality.

For 2024, the theme is Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress, highlighting the importance of gender-responsive investments to achieve equitable economic growth. The 2025 theme, Accelerate Action, focuses on expediting efforts to close gender gaps and dismantle systemic inequalities.

IV. Contemporary Issues and Challenges

Persistent Gender Inequality and Legal Barriers

Despite significant progress in gender equality, numerous legal frameworks and societal norms continue to marginalize women. Discriminatory laws remain prevalent in several countries, restricting women’s rights in areas such as property ownership, inheritance, and marital autonomy. For instance, child marriage remains legal in several U.S. states, while countries such as Sudan and Tanzania have yet to enforce strict prohibitions against the practice, leading to severe consequences for young girls’ education and health. Furthermore, restrictive guardianship laws in certain nations still require women to seek male approval for travel, employment, or medical decisions, impeding their autonomy.

Barriers to Education and Workforce Participation

Systemic barriers continue to hinder women’s and girls’ access to education, particularly in conflict zones and conservative societies. Afghanistan’s recent restrictions on female education, which ban women from attending universities and secondary schools, exemplify how political regimes can undermine decades of progress in gender parity. Even in developed nations, implicit biases and workplace discrimination hinder women’s career progression, particularly in STEM fields and leadership roles. The gender pay gap persists globally, with women earning on average 20% less than men for the same work, exacerbating economic disparities.

Reproductive Rights and Autonomy

Access to reproductive healthcare remains a contested issue in many parts of the world. Poland’s near-total abortion ban has led to a surge in unsafe medical procedures, endangering women’s health and autonomy. Similarly, the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade resulted in widespread state-level restrictions on abortion, disproportionately impacting marginalized communities. In several Latin American and African nations, restrictive reproductive laws continue to deny women the right to make decisions about their own bodies.

Gender-Based Violence and Safety Concerns

Violence against women remains a pervasive issue worldwide, with domestic violence, honor killings, and sexual harassment continuing unabated. In Iran, the government has faced international scrutiny for harsh crackdowns on women protesting mandatory hijab laws, demonstrating how gender-based repression intersects with state policies. Additionally, sexual violence remains weaponized in conflict zones, with reports from Ukraine and Sudan detailing atrocities committed against women and girls. Despite legislative advancements, implementation gaps and cultural stigmas often prevent survivors from seeking justice.

The Digital Divide and Online Harassment

While digital technology offers opportunities for empowerment, it has also introduced new challenges. Women are significantly underrepresented in the technology sector, particularly in AI and cybersecurity fields. Moreover, online harassment, doxxing, and cyberstalking disproportionately target women, leading to self-censorship and reduced participation in digital spaces. In India, the UK, and the U.S., studies have shown that female politicians, journalists, and activists receive a higher volume of online abuse compared to their male counterparts, raising concerns over digital safety and freedom of expression.

Climate Change and Disproportionate Impact on Women

Climate change has gendered consequences, particularly in developing nations where women are primary caregivers and resource managers. Environmental degradation exacerbates displacement, poverty, and food insecurity, disproportionately affecting women and girls. In sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, women and girls often bear the burden of traveling long distances to fetch water, exposing them to safety risks and limiting their time for education and economic activities. Gender-responsive climate policies are crucial to mitigating these impacts and ensuring equitable resilience strategies.

Addressing These Challenges

Addressing these challenges requires a holistic and sustained commitment across legal, economic, technological, and social spheres. Governments must not only repeal discriminatory laws but also proactively implement gender-sensitive policies that provide equal opportunities in education, employment, and political participation. Strengthening institutional mechanisms—such as gender-responsive budgeting, specialized legal aid for women, and stringent enforcement of anti-discrimination laws—can create a more equitable foundation for long-term progress.

Economic empowerment is fundamental to gender equality, requiring sustained investment in skill development, financial literacy, and market access for women entrepreneurs. Initiatives that promote equitable workplace policies, including pay transparency measures and parental leave reforms, can help dismantle systemic economic disparities. Moreover, integrating women into emerging industries, such as renewable energy and artificial intelligence, can enhance their representation in future-forward sectors.

On a global scale, fostering international cooperation and strengthening multilateral frameworks are essential for advancing women’s rights across borders. Collaborative efforts among governments, international bodies, and advocacy groups can help create accountability structures, mobilize resources, and address transnational issues such as human trafficking and digital gender divides. Technology, when used strategically, can serve as a catalyst for inclusion—whether through digital financial services for underserved women, online education platforms, or AI-driven safety applications that enhance security in public and private spaces.

Equally vital is social transformation. Changing entrenched gender norms requires targeted awareness campaigns, inclusive educational curricula, and active community engagement. The role of media and digital storytelling in shaping progressive narratives cannot be overlooked, as representation in films, literature, and news directly influences societal perceptions of gender roles. Additionally, mobilizing men and boys as active participants in gender advocacy can foster a more collective approach to dismantling patriarchal structures.

India-Specific Initiatives for Women’s Empowerment

India has undertaken a multi-pronged approach to women’s empowerment, integrating policy reforms, legislative measures, and grassroots interventions. While progress has been made in political representation, education, workforce participation, and safety, persistent challenges necessitate sustained efforts to close gender gaps. The following initiatives illustrate India’s commitment to fostering gender equality:

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) (2015): Launched to address declining child sex ratios and promote education for girls, BBBP has since evolved to encompass skilling and economic inclusion. By integrating awareness campaigns, improved access to education, and financial incentives, the scheme aims to dismantle societal biases that devalue the girl child.
Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act (2017): By extending paid maternity leave from 12 to 26 weeks for women in the organized sector, this legislation recognizes the importance of maternal health and early childcare. However, its impact remains limited to formal employment, necessitating further reforms to extend benefits to informal and gig economy workers.
One Stop Centres (OSCs) and Women’s Helpline: These support centers provide comprehensive assistance to women affected by violence, including medical aid, legal counseling, psychological support, and temporary shelter. Strengthening these centers, particularly in rural areas, is crucial for addressing gender-based violence.
Political Representation through Reservation: The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments (1993) mandated one-third reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions, significantly increasing their role in local governance. The Women’s Reservation Bill (2023), which seeks to ensure 33% representation for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislatures, is a landmark step toward equitable political participation.

Financial Inclusion and Digital Empowerment: Government programs like Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (DISHA) and Mahila E-Haat equip women with digital literacy and access to online marketplaces. These initiatives are instrumental in expanding entrepreneurial opportunities and reducing the digital divide that disproportionately affects women.

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY): This small savings scheme encourages parents to invest in their daughters’ education and financial security by offering high interest rates and tax benefits. By promoting long-term financial planning, SSY contributes to enhancing girls’ future economic independence.

Nirbhaya Fund (2013): Allocated for projects aimed at enhancing women’s safety, this fund has supported initiatives such as the emergency response support system, women’s help desks in police stations, and safer urban infrastructure. However, effective fund utilization remains a challenge, necessitating improved monitoring and implementation mechanisms.

Mission Shakti: Launched to integrate various schemes under a unified framework, Mission Shakti comprises two components:
Sambal: Focuses on women’s safety and protection, including schemes such as One Stop Centres and women’s helplines.

Samarthya: Addresses women’s economic and social empowerment through self-help groups, skill development programs, and leadership training.

Women in STEM and Research: Recognizing the underrepresentation of women in science and technology, initiatives such as Vigyan Jyoti and GATI (Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions) promote women’s participation in STEM fields. Encouraging women in research and innovation is crucial for breaking gender stereotypes in traditionally male-dominated domains.

While these initiatives mark significant progress, challenges remain in ensuring last-mile implementation, addressing social norms, and bridging economic disparities. Strengthening institutional frameworks, increasing investment in women-centric programs, and fostering gender-sensitive policies will be key to achieving a more inclusive and equitable society.

Conclusion and Way Forward

International Women’s Day is not just an annual observance but a crucial moment to reflect on the progress made and the challenges that remain in achieving gender equality. From its origins in labor movements to its institutionalization by the United Nations, IWD has consistently been a platform for advocacy, policy dialogue, and social change. While India has implemented numerous initiatives to promote women’s empowerment, systemic barriers such as gender-based violence, wage inequality, and underrepresentation in leadership roles persist.

A comprehensive and sustained approach is needed to address these challenges. The way forward must focus on:

Strengthening Gender-Responsive Policies: Governments must ensure that education, healthcare, and employment policies integrate gender-sensitive frameworks to create long-term structural changes. Expanding maternity benefits to informal workers and ensuring equal pay for equal work are critical steps.
Bridging the Digital Gender Divide: Women’s participation in the digital economy must be enhanced through targeted digital literacy programs, affordable internet access, and incentives for women-led technology enterprises. Ensuring cybersecurity and addressing online harassment are also vital for creating a safe digital space.
Enhancing Economic Participation and Financial Inclusion: Expanding access to credit, skill development programs, and entrepreneurship opportunities will bolster women’s financial independence. Strengthening self-help groups and fostering mentorship networks can further empower women at the grassroots level.
Ensuring Effective Implementation of Laws: Stronger enforcement mechanisms for existing gender laws, including workplace harassment regulations and anti-trafficking measures, are necessary. Monitoring and evaluation frameworks should be established to track the impact of policy initiatives.
Promoting Gender-Inclusive Leadership: Increasing women’s representation in decision-making roles—whether in politics, business, or civil society—will pave the way for more equitable policymaking. Leadership development programs should be institutionalized to prepare women for governance and corporate leadership.
Expanding Social Protection Measures: Women in marginalized communities, including rural and indigenous populations, require targeted interventions such as income support, housing assistance, and access to quality education and healthcare.

Shifting Societal Attitudes: Cultural and societal shifts are necessary to challenge deep-seated gender biases. Community engagement programs, gender-sensitization workshops, and inclusive education curricula can play a pivotal role in changing mindsets and fostering a more gender-equitable society.
Strengthening Institutional Mechanisms: Establishing robust monitoring systems to evaluate the impact of gender-based initiatives, ensuring transparency in fund utilization, and fostering international collaboration can accelerate progress toward gender parity.

The journey towards gender equality is a collective effort that requires commitment from governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals. Beyond symbolic gestures and annual celebrations, genuine progress demands systemic policy changes, increased investment in gender equity, and unwavering advocacy for women’s rights. By identifying and dismantling structural barriers to gender equality, societies can progress toward a future where every woman and girl realizes her full potential, unimpeded by discrimination and inequity.

References :

United Nations. (n.d.). International Women’s Day. United Nations. Retrieved from https://www.un.org/en/observances/womens-day
United Nations Development Programme. (2023). Gender equality and the Sustainable Development Goals. UNDP. Retrieved from https://www.undp.org/publications/gender-equality-and-sdgs
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Sen, A. (2001). Many faces of gender inequality. The New Republic, 225(12), 35-39.

About the Author: Riya Rawat is a researcher at the Impact and Policy Research Institute (IMPRI), pursuing a second master’s degree in Political Science. With a strong background in public policy, gender studies, and international relations, her research interests focus on policy development, analysis, and global affairs.

Acknowledgement: The author extends sincere gratitude to Dr. Arjun Kumar and Aasthaba Jadeja for their invaluable guidance and support.

Disclaimer: All views expressed in the article belong solely to the author and not necessarily to the organisation.