International Women's Day: The Significance of March 8

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Every year on March 8, International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated globally to honor the remarkable achievements of women across various fields and to advance the cause of gender equality. The day is not only an occasion to recognize the accomplishments of women but also a time to appreciate the essential roles women play as mothers, sisters, wives, coworkers, and friends.

IWD provides a platform to discuss the issues women face daily, including the struggles for equal rights in areas such as labor, education, and political participation. It serves as a reminder to acknowledge and cherish the agency and autonomy of women, striving to create safer environments while combating prejudice and discrimination, particularly against women. While many people are gearing up for the celebrations, the true significance of March 8 as International Women's Day often goes unnoticed.

**Why March 8 for International Women's Day?**

The origins of celebrating International Women's Day on March 8 can be traced back to Russian history. The date corresponds to February 23 under the Julian calendar, when, in 1913, Russian women protested against World War I. This event is seen as the precursor to the global Women's Day movement.

On February 23, 1917 (March 8 in the Gregorian calendar), Russian women protested once more, demanding an end to the war, food shortages, and the oppressive rule of Czar Nicholas II. According to historian Rochelle Ruthchild, these "disobedient women" initially upset male revolutionaries such as Leon Trotsky by organizing protests ahead of the May Day rallies, which had been scheduled later in the year.

Thus, March 8 became a symbol of women's determination to fight for their rights and to challenge the societal structures that held them back.