As an expert in historical social movements, I can provide you with information on the origins of International Women's Day (IWD).

International Women's Day was first established in the early 20th century, emerging from the activities of labor unions and the women's rights movements. The exact origins are often attributed to Clara Zetkin, a German socialist and suffragette. In 1910, during the International Socialist Women's Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, Zetkin proposed the idea of an International Women's Day. The proposal was seconded by over 100 women from 17 countries, who represented unions, socialist parties, working women's clubs, and other women's organizations.

The first International Women's Day was celebrated on March 19, 1911, in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. The day was chosen to be close to the anniversary of the tragic Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in New York City, which killed 146 garment workers, most of them women, and was a significant event that highlighted the urgent need for better working conditions and labor rights.

Since then, International Women's Day has been observed around the world, often focusing on various themes such as women's rights, gender equality, and celebrating the achievements of women.

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In 1914 International Women's Day was held on March 8, possibly because that day was a Sunday, and now it is always held on March 8 in all countries. The 1914 observance of the Day in Germany was dedicated to women's right to vote, which German women did not win until 1918.read more >>