^Imagine a world where gender equality isn’t an annual topic of discussion but an ingrained reality.

Where women no longer have to fight for fair wages, leadership positions, or the basic right to live free from discrimination.

While that world still seems like a work in progress, International Women’s Day (IWD) serves as a powerful reminder of the journey toward gender equality—one that has been marked by struggle, resistance, and undeniable progress.

But how did this global celebration come to be? What does it truly represent? And what are some lesser-known facts that make this day so impactful?

Let’s break it down.

The Origins of International Women’s Day

The mass meeting at Rutgers Square during the shirt strike of 1909-1910. Collection: Photographs of the International Garment Workers Union.

It wasn’t social media campaigns or corporations rushing to put pink logos on their websites that gave birth to International Women’s Day.

The roots of IWD trace back over a century, to a time when women were fighting for fundamental rights like voting, fair wages, and safe working conditions.

The first sparks of IWD can be found in 1908, New York, when 15,000 women marched through the city demanding better pay, shorter hours, and voting rights. This powerful demonstration became a pivotal moment in the women’s rights movement.

A year later, in 1909, the Socialist Party of America declared the first National Women’s Day, celebrated across the United States on February 28.

But the movement didn’t stop there. In 1910, at the International Socialist Women’s Conference in Copenhagen, German activist Clara Zetkin proposed the idea of a global day to advocate for women's rights. She envisioned a day when women around the world could unite for the same cause, regardless of nationality.

Her idea gained unanimous approval, and in 1911, International Women’s Day was officially observed for the first time in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. Over one million people participated in rallies advocating for women’s rights, demanding gender equality in voting, work, and education.

By 1917, Russian women played a critical role in further popularizing the movement. On March 8, they organized a massive strike for "bread and peace," protesting against war and oppression. The movement gained momentum, and the Russian government granted women the right to vote shortly after.

March 8 soon became the universally recognized date for IWD, solidified when the United Nations officially adopted the celebration in 1975—marking the beginning of an era where governments and organizations worldwide took responsibility for advancing gender equality.

What Does International Women’s Day Stand for Today?

Fast forward to 2025, and IWD has transformed into more than just a day of reflection.

It’s a movement.

A call to action.

A global platform for advocating women’s rights, amplifying voices, and challenging the status quo.

Today, IWD serves several purposes, including:

• Recognizing women’s achievements in various fields, from science and business to activism and sports.
• Raising awareness about gender inequality, wage gaps, violence against women, and lack of representation in leadership.
• Encouraging organizations and governments to implement real, systemic changes that support gender parity.
• Inspiring individuals to take personal and collective action toward a more equal world.

Each year, IWD follows a unique theme to guide discussions and activism. 

The 2025 theme, "Accelerating Change," emphasizes the urgency of breaking barriers and creating opportunities for women globally.

Surprising Facts About International Women’s Day That You Probably Didn’t Know

Despite being celebrated worldwide, there are some truly fascinating facts about IWD that many people are unaware of. Here are some of the most interesting ones:

1. IWD Is a Public Holiday in More Than 25 Countries

In many countries, March 8 is a national holiday, meaning businesses, schools, and government offices close to honor the occasion. Nations like Russia, Ukraine, China, and Uganda recognize IWD as an official day off, while others celebrate it with large public events.

2. The Official Color of IWD Is Purple

If you’ve ever wondered why everything turns purple around March 8, it’s because purple has long been associated with justice and dignity.

Historically, it was one of the colors used by the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) in the UK, one of the leading groups in the suffrage movement.

3. The United Nations Has Been Involved Since 1975

Although the movement began in the early 1900s, the UN officially recognized IWD in 1975. Since then, they have played a critical role in setting annual themes and pushing global policies that promote gender equality.

4. Google Celebrates IWD with Special Doodles

Every year, Google releases an International Women’s Day Google Doodle, often highlighting the achievements of women in different industries. 

These illustrations showcase female pioneers in science, literature, art, activism, and more.

5. Some Countries Celebrate Women’s Day Like Mother’s Day

In places like Italy, Serbia, and Albania, IWD is celebrated similarly to Mother’s Day, where women receive flowers, chocolates, and gifts from family members.

6. There’s Still No Country with Complete Gender Equality

Despite the progress made over the past century, no country in the world has achieved full gender equality. According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report, at the current pace, it will take another 135.6 years to close the gender gap completely.

How You Can Celebrate and Support International Women’s Day

Celebrating IWD isn’t just about posting hashtags or sharing inspirational quotes—it’s about taking real action.

Here are some meaningful ways you can celebrate and contribute to the movement:

1. Support Women-Owned Businesses

Choose to shop from women-led brands, startups, and small businesses. Whether it’s fashion, wellness, or tech, supporting female entrepreneurs helps bridge the gender wealth gap.

2. Educate Yourself and Others

Understanding the history of IWD, gender inequality statistics, workplace diversity and women’s issues worldwide makes a huge difference. Read books, listen to podcasts, or attend discussions about gender equality.

3. Advocate for Workplace Equality

Whether you’re an employee or employer, advocate for policies that support equal pay, parental leave, and leadership opportunities for women.

4. Donate to Women’s Charities

Organizations like UN Women, Malala Fund, Girls Who Code, and Women for Women International work tirelessly to improve women’s rights globally. Contributing to these causes helps fund education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for women in need.

5. Amplify Women’s Voices

Use your platform—whether it’s social media, your workplace, or your community—to highlight and celebrate women’s contributions. Share their stories, credit their work, and uplift their voices.

6. Participate in IWD Events

Many communities, organizations, and universities host panel discussions, networking events, and workshops focused on gender equality. Attending these events or bringing them to your workplace is a great way to engage in meaningful conversations.

What’s Next for Women’s Rights?

While International Women’s Day is a significant milestone each year, it’s just one moment in the broader movement for gender equality.

We’re seeing progress in:

• Female representation in politics (although women still hold just 26.7% of parliamentary seats worldwide).
• Equal pay movements gaining momentum in various industries.
• Increased awareness around workplace harassment and the impact of the #MeToo movement.
• More women breaking into male-dominated fields like STEM, finance, and leadership.

But challenges remain. The gender pay gap persists, women’s reproductive rights are still under attack in some regions, and violence against women continues to be a major global issue.

The only way forward is collective action.

^Many employees feel the shift to remote work has been a welcome change from the in-office routine despite the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19. In contrast, for others, the disadvantages of remote work became apparent as weeks turned into months and months into a year.

If you have access to the internet 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and don't need to commute, separating work and personal life can be challenging. Late night work and weekend work become more common. Our survey found that 77% of employees have experienced burnout. If staffing levels are cut, workloads increase and burnout quickly become a reality.

The good news is that it is preventable. Employee engagement through an employee wellness program is one important component. Employees that are engaged are happier and more productive. Greater resiliency benefits the organisation as well. However, effective tools and consistent efforts are required to keep staff engaged, reduce burnout, and guarantee that everyone is working toward the same goals.

Here are six strategies to help employees avoid burnout, increase employee engagement, and build resiliency.

Facilitate Better Communication

It is necessary to communicate with your employees to understand their perspectives, difficulties, and perceptions of the organisation and management. Assessments should not be restricted to once a year. More frequency and consistency are crucial in mixed work environments, where employees may feel like they are working in a vacuum. Employees should be able to communicate through all channels available to avoid mental health issues that may arise from isolation.

Small chat groups and meet-ups like virtual lunchrooms and happy hours, as well as one-on-one meetings centred on progress and goals, are all examples of communication touchstones. You can create connections through them, unwind, reduce loneliness, and spot other people who are struggling. But, again, this could help you intervene before things get worse.

"Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence." - Sheryl Sandberg

Allow Employees to Take Time Off.

In many organisations, downtime must be considered to meet demand. Although the redistribution of work may be complex, downtime cannot be ignored. Provide employees with the option of taking breaks, personal days, or vacations when necessary.

Your company's typical working hours should be clearly communicated to employees. In addition, they should be encouraged to turn off their phones and laptops when they are not working. Recognising that they have the right to separate work and personal life will encourage employees to do so. In order to motivate employees to do these things, you might want to introduce some employee wellness initiatives. 

Even short breaks throughout the day can help improve their mood and productivity. Make it clear to your team members that they should not check their emails while on vacation. Find someone to cover their position if it is essential. Upon their return, they will be well-rested and ready to work.

Make Collaboration Easier by Investing in Tools.

Retention requires high levels of engagement and communication. Employees don't quit their jobs because they're awful. They leave lousy managers behind them. Organisational goals are more likely to be achieved by employees who clearly understand their responsibilities and are supported in fulfilling them.

Using employee engagement and performance management technology can help to boost productivity, knowledge sharing, and cooperation. Engagement will close the gap by providing coaching and feedback to both in-office and remote employees, connecting individual and team objectives to the organisation's strategic priorities.

Concentrate on the “Why”

Burnout is typically caused by a gap between a person's values and tasks. Although you are worried and exhausted, you continue to work, forgetting the reasons you joined the company or job in the first place. There is a risk of harm from it. 

Creating a shared sense of why is a task for any leader must determine why we are motivated to complete the goal. As a leader, it is your responsibility to energise your team. Remember the purpose and why it is crucial for the business and your customers. People are more likely to be satisfied with their jobs if they share common beliefs and connections.

Commit to Mental Health and Empathy

There is increasing recognition that mental health is vital for individuals, groups, and society. Moreover, those their leaders support through empathy are more likely, to be honest and accurate. 

When companies build stronger relationships with their employees, employees report it improved mental and physical health by 23% and 17%, respectively. Companies that provide holistic support to their employees report an increase of 21% in high performers. Additionally, employees feel heard and validated, resulting in a more productive work environment and a happier mind body soul.

Prioritise Your Own Health.

Before you can help your team members manage their stress, you must work on your own. Consider how you can help your employees get what they need instead of hunkering down and focusing" on your task.  

The best start is by taking care of your physical and emotional health first; you need to take care of yourself. Get enough sleep at night, eat healthfully, exercise regularly, meditate, and find another person to vent to who isn't "your boss.". Taking care of oneself is more than a luxury; it is a necessity.