March 8 is International Women’s Day (IWD), a time to celebrate the progress made in advancing women’s rights and highlight the ongoing efforts needed to ensure their full participation in all aspects of society.

About International Women’s Day

The beginnings of International Women’s Day can be traced back to the early twentieth century. It emerged from the activities of labour movements in North America and Europe and reflected a growing call for women’s equal participation in society.

International Women’s Day first took place on March 19, 1911, in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland, when over a million people attended rallies to show their support for women’s rights to work, vote, hold public office and live free of discrimination. Other countries began to observe and celebrate this day in the years that followed. The United Nations recognized 1975 as International Women’s Year and began celebrating March 8 as International Women’s Day.

Today, International Women’s Day is a day of unity, celebration, reflection, advocacy, and action and is marked in many countries worldwide, including Canada.

Ways to get involved

  • Share stories of women making a difference in your community, school, or workplace
  • Take action to support gender equality in your everyday life (support women-led initiatives, challenge stereotypes, promote fairness and understanding)
  • Learn about inspiring Canadian women and the history of gender equality in Canada:
  • Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram and share our social media posts, or start a conversation by using our social media shareables in the digital toolkit

50 years of federal action to advance gender equality in Canada

Fair workplaces, equitable policies, and thriving communities don’t happen overnight; they’re built through sustained, coordinated effort over time.

Over 50 years ago, Canadian women and civil society groups called for action to advance gender equality, which led to the creation of Status of Women Canada in 1976, now the Department for Women and Gender Equality. This 50-year milestone marks progress and highlights the ongoing work to build a future where everyone can reach their full potential.

Digital toolkit

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The Article originally appeared at : https://www.canada.ca/en/women-gender-equality/commemorations-celebrations/international-womens-day.html

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