♦ International Women’s Day is celebrated every year on March 8 to recognise women’s achievements, raise awareness about gender equality, and promote women’s empowerment.

♦ In 1910, Clara Zetkin, the leader of the Women’s Office for the Social Democratic Party in Germany, tabled the ideaof an International Women’s Day at the second International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen.

♦ The proposal received unanimous support from over one hundred women representing 17 countries.

♦ The very first International Women’s Day was held the following year on March 19.

♦ Meetings and protests were held across Europe, with the largest street demonstration attracting 30,000 women.

♦ In 1913, the IWD was moved to March 8 and has been held on this day ever since.

♦ 2025 theme: 'Accelerate Action'.