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By Kate Nalepinski
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International Women's Day, March 8, will be commemorated with marches, rallies, and events across the United States to honor women's achievements and advocate for gender equality.
The Context
While progress has been made in the fight for gender equality, significant challenges remain. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, women comprise just over 57 percent of the U.S. workforce, yet they continue to face pay disparities.
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The National Women's Law Center reports that women earn approximately 84 cents for every dollar earned by men, translating to nearly $10,000 less per year in median wages.
When Did International Women's Day Start?
The origins of International Women's Day can be traced back to the early 20th-century labor movements. The first National Women's Day was observed in the U.S. in 1909, following a declaration by the Socialist Party of America.
The idea gained global traction in 1910 when German feminist Clara Zetkin proposed an international observance during the International Socialist Women's Congress in Copenhagen.
By 1911, countries including Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland held their first official celebrations. The United Nations formally recognized the day in 1975, cementing its role in advocating for gender equality worldwide.
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Large-scale demonstrations have played a significant role in advocating for women's rights. The Women's March, first held in 2017 following President Donald Trump's inauguration, drew millions to Washington, D.C., and other cities worldwide, highlighting concerns over reproductive rights, workplace protections and gender-based violence.
Subsequent marches during Trump's first term continued to galvanize activists, emphasizing the need for policy changes and sustained advocacy for gender equality.
Where Are Events Happening This Year?
Cities across the U.S. are hosting events to mark International Women's Day this year. According to Women's March, multiple rallies have been organized under the theme "Unite & Resist," with key events planned in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago and D.C.
According to the organization's website, these marches will raise awareness of issues like reproductive rights, workplace discrimination and legislative policies affecting women.
California has the most in-person events, Women's March said. Washington has the second-most events planned, while New York and Texas follow close behind. However, this does not include virtual events, which are also listed on the Women's March website.
Additional events outside of the Women's March include panel discussions, workshops and virtual forums hosted by advocacy groups and educational institutions. The United Nations will also host its annual commemoration event, featuring prominent activists and policymakers who will address the state of women's rights worldwide.
Is International Women's Day a Federal Holiday?
Despite its global significance, International Women's Day is not a federal holiday in the U.S.
However, it is recognized as an official holiday in over 20 countries, including Russia, Ukraine, Afghanistan and Cuba. In some nations, the day is celebrated with public events, workplace initiatives and policy discussions.
In the U.S., while companies and advocacy groups mark the occasion with events and awareness campaigns, there is no federal legislation granting workers a day off in observance of International Women's Day.
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