History of International Women’s Day March 8

At the end of the 19th century, capitalism in America developed strongly. Industry has attracted many women and children into factories and plants. But the capitalists pay them very cheaply. Outraged by that injustice, on March 8, 1899, American female workers stood up to fight for increased wages and reduced working hours. The movement began with textile and garment workers in Chicago and New York City. Even though the capitalists were suppressing them, the women remained closely united and fought to force them to make concessions. The struggle of American workers has strongly encouraged the working women’s movement around the world, especially women in Germany. The struggle movement gave rise to two outstanding female soldiers, Ms. Clara-zet-kin (German) and Ms. Lo-ra-Luxembourg (Poland). Realizing the strength and largeness of the female labor force and the need for organization and leadership to win the women’s movement, in 1907 the two women coordinated with Crup-xcai-a. (Lenin’s wife) campaigned for the establishment of an “International Women’s Secretariat”. Ms. Clarazet-kin was appointed Secretary.

In 1910, the International Socialist Women’s Congress meeting in Copenhagen (the capital of Denmark) decided to make March 8 “International Women’s Day” – Women’s Day of Solidarity and Struggle. with slogan:

       - 8 hour work day.

       - Equal jobs, equal salaries.

       - Protection of mothers and children.

       Since then, March 8 has become a common day of struggle for working women around the world.

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