International Women's Day

Women's Day, International

March 8

Not only is this day commemorating women one of the most widely observed holidays of recent origin, but it is unusual in that it began in the United States and was adopted by many other countries, including the former U.S.S.R. and the People's Republic of China. This holiday has its roots in the March 8, 1857, revolt of American women in New York City, protesting conditions in the textile and garment industries, although it wasn't proclaimed a holiday until 1910.
In Great Britain and the United States, International Women's Day is marked by special exhibitions, films, etc., in praise of women. In the former U.S.S.R., women received honors for distinguished service in industry, aviation, agriculture, military service, and other fields of endeavor.

CONTACTS:
United Nations, Global Teaching and Learning Project
United Nations HQ, Rm. 931-B
New York, NY 10017
212-963-8589; fax: 212-963-3358
www.un.org

SOURCES:
AnnivHol-2000, p. 41
BkFest-1937, p. 284
BkFestHolWrld-1970, p. 73
FolkWrldHol-1999, p. 205
OxYear-1999, p. 111
(c)

Celebration day: Mar 8