Today, March 8th, is International Women’s Day. Most people know very little about the holiday or the way the labor movement supported it. The holiday was was started over 100 years ago. Here’s how:
1. In 1908, 15,000 women march through New York City for shorter hours, better pay and voting rights.
2. In 1909, with the help of The Socialist Party of America, the first National Woman’s Day is celebrated.
3. In 1910, an International Women’s Day is proposed at a Socialist International meeting in Copenhagen, to honor the women’s rights movement and to help women gain the right to vote.
4. On March 19, 1911, more than one million people celebrate the first International Women’s Day in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland, rallying against discrimination and for women’s rights to work, vote, and hold public office.
5. Six days later, on March 25, 146 women, mostly Italian and Jewish immigrants, are killed in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory. Because of the dangerous working conditions, locked doors, and dysfunctional and missing fire escapes, these women, some as young as 15, die in the fire or on the pavement, having leaped from the windows to avoid the flames. The tragedy, the worst work disaster in New York City until September 11th, sparks outrage and activism and reform for women’s rights and workers’ rights.
6. In 1912, 25,000 textile workers of Lawrence Massachusetts go on strike. During the ten-week-long strike, men and women, immigrants and citizens, march and sing together. Women carry banners that say “We want bread, and roses, too,” to symbolize the need for economic changes and dignity.
7. In 1913 and 1914, before and during the beginning of World War I, women in Europe call for peace and celebrate International Women’s Day.
8. In 1917, after the deaths of 2 million Russian soldiers, Russian women begin a strike for “bread and peace.” After 4 days of striking, the Czar abdicates and women win the right to vote.
9. 1975 was designated as ‘International Women’s Year’ by the United Nations.
10. In December 1977 the UN General Assembly adopt a resolution proclaiming a United Nations Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace.
