SInternational Women’s Day, also known as International Women’s Day, has been celebrated every year since 1911. On March 8, attention will be drawn to women’s rights, gender equality and violence against women. At the same time, it serves to celebrate women: for their social, political and cultural achievements. In two German federal states, Women’s Day is even a public holiday.
What actions take place?
Demonstrations criticizing gender inequality are held on Women’s Day. In Berlin alone, 15 demonstrations and assemblies have been announced. At a rally on Bebelplatz, speakers from Afghanistan, Iran, the USA, Poland, Spain and Germany are to speak under the motto “Peace, freedom, self-determination and fair work”. There are also various events such as concerts and demonstrations in Frankfurt. On the occasion of Women’s Day, the Verdi services union is calling for nationwide warning strikes in day-care centers and social facilities. According to a press release from the union, women in these facilities do not receive adequate wages or adequate recognition for their achievements.
The International Women’s Day theme this year is #EmbraceEquity. This is to draw attention to the difference between equal rights and equality, as explained on the official website of the day of action. Equality here means that women have exactly the same resources and opportunities as men. However, equality does not take gender differences into account, which is why women continue to be disadvantaged.
Where is women’s day a public holiday?
In many Eastern European countries, Women’s Day has long been a public holiday. In a referendum in Ukraine, just 62 percent of the participants voted to keep the holiday. In Germany, International Women’s Day is only a public holiday in two federal states: in Berlin since 2019 and in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania since the beginning of the year. Employees can look forward to a day off here.
The emergence of women’s day
Women’s Day has existed in a modified form for over 100 years. It took place for the first time in 1911, on March 19, following a decision by the International Socialist Women’s Conference. The background was, among other things, demands for more wages for women and the possibility of a legal abortion. Ten years later, March 8 was set as the date to commemorate the 1917 St. Petersburg women workers’ strike, which helped initiate the Russian February Revolution.
In Germany, Women’s Day was banned during the Nazi era in order to focus on Mother’s Day. The holiday received new impetus from the women’s movement in the 1970s and has been celebrated annually ever since.