From Argentina to Uganda: How International Women’s Day is Celebrated Around the World
March 8th pulses with history, activism, and the fierce spirit of women who refuse to accept less than they deserve. International Women’s Day (IWD) rolls around each year, reminding us of how far we’ve come and still need to go. And like most momentous movements, it started with women who were fed up with being ignored.
It all began in 1909 when 15,000 women took to the streets of New York City. They marched for shorter working hours, better pay, and voting rights—basic demands that weren’t available to them at the time. They raised their voices and sparked a movement.
By 1910, at an International Socialist Women’s Conference in Copenhagen, German feminist Clara Zetkin proposed a global day dedicated to women’s struggles and achievements.
The idea caught fire, and in 1911, Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland became the first countries to officially mark International Women’s Day.
What started as a rallying cry for labor rights quickly grew bigger. Over time, IWD expanded beyond the workplace to encompass the broader fight for gender equality. It took until 1975 until the United Nation finally recognized it. They began setting annual themes, shining a light on issues like closing the wage gap, addressing gender-based violence, and amplifying women’s leadership roles.
Today, IWD is recognized in over 100 countries, and its impact is felt across continents in ways that are as diverse as the women it celebrates.
Women’s Day Around the Globe
The beauty of IWD is that it doesn’t look the same everywhere. Depending on where you are, March 8th could mean a powerful protest, a bouquet of flowers, a half-day off work, or a government policy aimed at closing gender gaps. Different cultures embrace it in their own ways, but the underlying message remains the same: women’s rights matter.
Italy: The Mimosa Tradition
In Italy, IWD is drenched in yellow—literally. Since the post-World War II era, the mimosa flower has been adopted as a symbol of strength and femininity.
On March 8th, men hand out bright yellow mimosa blossoms to the women in their lives—wives, mothers, daughters, colleagues—as a sign of appreciation.
Even bakeries join in on the tradition with “torta mimosa,” a light, fluffy cake inspired by the flower’s vibrant color.
China: A Small but Symbolic Gesture
Many women in China get a half-day off work on March 8th—a small, yet meaningful acknowledgment of their contributions.
While feminist activism faces significant barriers in this nation, IWD sparks discussions about workplace equality and women’s rights, making it a day of both recognition and reflection.
Uganda: A Platform for Change
IWD is a major event in Uganda, often marked by speeches from government officials, activists, and community leaders.
The day is used to highlight urgent issues like gender-based violence, economic independence, and the need for more women in leadership. It’s less about celebration and more about advocacy, pushing for real, tangible change.
Argentina: The Power of Protest
In recent years, Argentina has seen waves of feminist activism with massive rallies demanding women’s rights and reproductive freedoms.
Born in Argentina, the #NiUnaMenos movement has turned IWD into a day of powerful, collective action.
France: A Mix of Protest and Progress
France takes a dual approach to IWD, balancing activism with appreciation. The country sees massive marches and feminist discussions, with media coverage spotlighting gender equality issues.
The French government often uses March 8th to roll out new policies to close the gender gap. While people give flowers and celebrate in a modest way, IWD is primarily about pushing for change.
Canada: A Call to Action
Canada treats IWD as an opportunity to educate and empower. The government, schools, and various organizations use the day to highlight gender equality policies, host community events, and amplify women’s voices.
Universities hold seminars on women’s rights and history so that the following generations understand the ongoing fight for equality. Marches and gatherings emphasize intersectionality and inclusivity so that the day is relevant to everyone.
Australia: Marching for Change
In Australia, IWD is loud, proud, and mighty. Across the country, women take to the streets, marching for issues like pay equity, reproductive rights, and ending gender-based violence.
Debates, conferences, and rallies dominate the day, proving that the feminist fight is far from over.
Why International Women’s Day Still Matters
Some people wonder why, in 2025, we still need a day dedicated to women. Haven’t we “made it” already? No. The numbers tell a different story.
The World Economic Forum’s 2023 Global Gender Gap Report estimates that at the current rate, gender parity won’t be achieved for another 132 years. Let that sink in.
Women still earn less than men for the same work. They are underrepresented in leadership roles and shoulder most of the unpaid labor at home. In many parts of the world, they are still fighting for fundamental rights like education, bodily autonomy, and protection from gender-based violence.
Each year, the UN selects a theme to highlight urgent issues. In recent years, these themes have tackled digital innovation for gender equality, breaking gender biases, and supporting rural women. While symbolic gestures like flowers and social media tributes are sweet, IWD is about far more than that. It’s about pushing for real, systemic change.
As for me, International Women’s Day is, of course, about history and statistics, but it’s also about the women who have shaped my life. It’s about my mother’s resilience, my sisters’ hard work, my friends’ ambition, and the quiet strength of women who push forward despite the odds stacked against them.
This is a day to celebrate, yet we must focus on the work that’s still ahead. Because for every woman who’s shattered a glass ceiling, there are millions still staring up at it. We praise the progress, yes. But we also acknowledge the unfinished business. We recognize the battles still being fought, the victories yet to be won.
