International Women’s Day: when women marched for Bread and Roses

International Women’s Day history rooted in women’s struggles for rights, from garment workers’ strikes to socialist movements.

International Women’s Day is observed worldwide every March 8; heads of states, governments, and private players and commercial brands send out messages celebrating women’s equality and empowerment , but often without acknowledging its historical roots.

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What is the history behind International Women’s Day?

A closer look at history shows that this day had its roots in women’s struggle that erupted after the Industrial Revolution, with women workers from trade unions mobilising for their rights, specifically garment workers in New York rising for better wages and working conditions. The movement saw took its inspiration from in the socialist and anti-imperialist struggle of the early twentieth century.

American working-class women participating in political activity

Several demonstrations in demand of women’s franchise and political rights of “proletarian” women or women workers have preceded the Women’s Day. 

Alexandra Kollontai, a Russian revolutionary and politician marked the American socialist women’s demonstration in 1909 as the first celebration of Women’s Day. She credited the working-class women of America for organising the first Women’s day.