The History of International Women’s Day

The first “Woman’s Day” celebration was organized by the U.S. Socialist Party in Chicago on May 2, 1908.

The first International Women's Day was organized by the U.S. Socialist Party and brought together an audience of 1,500 women who demanded economic and political equality, on a day officially dedicated to “the female workers’ causes.” The following year, women gathered in New York for a similar celebration. Inspired by these American initiatives, European socialists soon followed suit. Find out more in this video about International Women's Day.

Written and narrated by Dr. Birgitte Søland.

Video production by Laura Seeger and Dr. Nicholas B. Breyfogle. Audio production by Paul Kotheimer, College of Arts & Sciences Academic Technology Services. The Origins' editorial team includes Editors Nicholas Breyfogle, Steven Conn and David Steigerwald; Managing Editors Lauren Henry, Sarah Paxton, and Renae Sullivan; Associate Editors: Mina Park and Kristin Osborne

We thank the Stanton Foundation for their funding of this and other Origins projects.

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