A Glimpse into its origin
By now, most people are familiar with International Women’s Day (IWD). What you might not know if how it started. IWD is celebrated annually around the world on March 8. It is a day dedicated to honoring the achievements of women throughout history, giving us the opportunity to celebrate women for all achievements, from different backgrounds and cultures. In fact, the United Nations has been observing IWD since 1975 as a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It has been, however, unofficially observed since the early 1900s. Why? At that time in history, the industrialized world had a booming population growth and the rise of different ideologies. This was especially the case among women.
Why do we celebrate March 8 as International Women’s Day?
Here is the origin: Years of women’s inequality had challenged women to have their voices heard and campaign for change. It was on March 8 in 1908 when more than 10,000 women marched through New York City (NYC) demanding shorter hours, better pay and voting rights. Also on that day women workers in the needle trades marched through NYC to protest child labor, working conditions in sweatshops, and demand women’s suffrage. Beginning in 1910, March 8 became observed as the annual day to celebrate women.
What is the theme for the 2025 International Women’s Day?
The “Accelerate Action” campaign defines International Women’s Day 2025, marking a powerful call for swift progress toward gender equality. This dynamic theme underscores the urgent need to speed up positive change, as current projections suggest full gender parity remains decades away. The United Nations amplifies this message with their complementary focus “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” This dual approach highlights both the necessity for immediate action and the inclusive nature of the movement.
The impact of International Women’s Day today
Today, IWD serves as a powerful catalyst for global change. The movement has evolved into a worldwide phenomenon that spotlights persistent challenges in gender equality across education, leadership, and economic opportunities.
In fact, recent data from the World Economic Forum reveals that achieving full gender parity worldwide could take until the year 2158. This is what fuels modern IWD initiatives that combine awareness-raising with concrete action plans for accelerating progress. The recognized day is pivotal in uniting millions of women–often through digital platforms– sparking crucial conversations about workplace equity, political representation, and women’s health. From grassroots campaigns to corporate boardrooms, IWD mobilizes resources and commitment toward building a more balanced world.
Get ready to #AccelerateAction
International Women’s Day offers a moment to reflect on women’s journey, from historical contributions to their current roles and future aspirations. So tell me. Are you ready to #AccelerateAction?
- Join WiM (Women in Manufacturing) association
- Seek out job opportunities on the Dassault Systèmes Careers page
- Hear how other women have been succeeding in the manufacturing and technology industries. Listen to DELMIA’s podcast series, “Let’s Get Technical: Meet the Outstanding Women in Manufacturing and Technology”
- Barbara Roos at Ab Ovo on Supply Chain and Logistics in episode 35
- Dassault Systèmes Women’s Group in episode 28 and episode 29
- Regina Davis chats about Manufacturing Day in episode 23
- Angela Grigonis Regan and Women in Manufacturing in episode 21
- Visit the International Women’s Day website
DELMIA digital marketing expert, editor of the DELMIA blog, and a strategic marketer with a background in the manufacturing industry.