March 8 is recognized as International Women’s Rights Day, celebrating women’s achievements and advocating for ongoing equality. This day highlights the persistent disparities in the workplace, with calls for improved gender equality in salaries and opportunities. The observance has historical roots dating back to early 20th century activism. In France, it gained official recognition in 1982. A recent survey indicates that a significant portion of the population values this day, though opinions vary on its purpose beyond celebrating women.
Celebrating Women’s Rights: A Reflection on March 8
Each year, we honor the remarkable achievements of women and the rights they have fought for over the decades, striving for equality with men. Significant milestones include the right to vote and the ability to manage their finances independently, without needing their husband’s consent. Activists frequently hold demonstrations to advocate for these essential rights. Meanwhile, in the United States, concerns grow about potential regressions in women’s rights, particularly regarding access to abortion in several states. A poignant example of this issue emerged last year during the trial involving the rapes in Mazan, where approximately fifty men, including Dominique Pelicot, were convicted for the prolonged violation of Gisèle Pelicot. In a powerful display of solidarity, women, including Lio, gathered at the Louvre Museum to convey their messages of empowerment.
The Significance of March 8: Awareness and Advocacy
March 8 serves as a critical moment to evaluate women’s rights and highlight ongoing inequalities, especially in the workplace. As noted by Radio France, the job market in France is still heavily divided along gender lines, which is also reflected in adult vocational training. Furthermore, RTL underscores that even when jobs are comparable, salaries often are not. According to the station, ‘98% of employers still have work to do to achieve genuine gender equality,’ as they shared multiple women’s testimonials in honor of this day.
The United Nations officially recognized March 8 as International Women’s Rights Day in 1977, inspired by the long-standing struggle of women for acknowledgment of their contributions. The roots of this observance can be traced back to 1909 in the United States, where American socialist women initiated a National Women’s Day to celebrate civil rights. This concept gained traction in Europe, particularly in 1910 at a conference in Copenhagen, where a German journalist called for an annual International Women’s Day. Celebrations began as early as March 19, 1911, in Austria, Germany, Denmark, and Switzerland.
To truly understand the significance of March 8, one must look to Russia. The “International Women’s Day” was first celebrated there on March 3, 1913, and later on March 8, 1914. On March 8, 1917, women in Petrograd (Saint Petersburg) took to the streets demanding food and peace, an event that helped spark the Russian Revolution. The Soviet Union officially recognized this date in 1921. Interestingly, a narrative emerged in the 1950s linking March 8 to a demonstration by New York seamstresses in 1857, but historian Françoise Picq has pointed out that this event likely never occurred.
In France, recognition of women’s rights came late, with the introduction of International Women’s Rights Day only occurring in 1982 under the leadership of Minister Delegate for Women’s Rights Yvette Roudy during François Mitterrand’s presidency. This marked the beginning of various educational and awareness initiatives aimed at reducing inequalities.
Looking ahead to 2025, a significant majority of the French populace, 67% according to a YouGov survey for Le HuffPost, believe that International Women’s Rights Day is vital. However, perceptions of this day differ. The survey revealed that women (71%) are more inclined to view it as essential compared to men (62%). Among age groups, those aged 25-34 are the most convinced (73%), while only 66% of those aged 45-54 share this sentiment. Notably, 36% of the French view March 8 as simply a ‘day to celebrate women in general,’ a perspective that women’s rights organizations do not endorse.