History of International Women's Day March 8

Why is there a day for women?

How March 8 became International Woman's Day is a long story with a 100-year-old-plus history.

Some sources call the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848 one of the first attempts to create a national women's day in the U.S. That event was one of the first to support voting rights for women here and around the world.

Then, in 1908, 15,000 women marched in New York City demanding shorter work weeks, better pay, and voting rights.

From 1909 through 1913, the Socialist Party of America declared National Woman's Day on either February 28 or the last Sunday in February. They picked the weekend date so working women could join demonstrations.

Historians consider March 19, 1911, the first observation of an international day for women. An estimated 1 million people observed the day -- often via protest marches -- in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland.

Then, Russian feminist Alexandra Kollontai led a massive demonstration on February 23, 1917. (Since Russia was on the Gregorian calendar, that date was March 8 in the Western Julian calendar.) Tsar Nicholas II abdicated a week later, and the provisional government gave women voting rights.

Women's Day goes global.

It wasn't until 1975 -- when the organization declared it International Woman's Year -- that the U.N. called for an International Woman's Day.

Since 1996, the U.N. Women Committee has picked a theme for the event. For 2022, it is "Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow." According to the website, it is "recognizing the contribution of women and girls around the world, who are leading the charge on climate change adaptation, mitigation, and response, to build a more sustainable future for all."

The International Women's Day website was launched in 2001. The site, which is separate from the U.N. program and includes corporate sponsorships, has also championed the day, using social media and hashtags to promote equality. Over the years, those social media hashtags have included: #ChooseToChallenge, #EachforEqual, #BalanceforBetter, #PressforProgress and #BeBoldforChange.

The 2022 campaign theme is #BreakTheBias. The website encourages social media users to post photos and memes around the theme.

How can your company recognize International Women's Day?

While celebrating the working women at your company, you can also celebrate all their co-workers. Your staff will appreciate gifts at any time of the year. Logo-branded giveaways can help reinforce workplace culture and goals, including diversity and inclusion for all.

You can use the #breakthebias hashtag or whatever message you want staff to take with them and remember.

Do women make up a large percentage of your customer base? Consider a themed event in March to say thank you for their patronage.

Below are some of our most popular customized giveaways, regardless of gender:

Promotional Sport Water Bottles

A healthy office is a hydrated office. Encourage your staff to practice self-care by drinking water throughout the day. Your clients will appreciate a new water bottle, too.

Customized Apparel

T-shirts are one of the most popular promotional gifts, but they may not be the proper attire for your office. Consider customized polo shirts, embroidered windbreakers, or hooded sweatshirts for your company outings.

Custom Travel Mugs and Tumblers

A thermal tumbler -- with a straw for stirring in powdered mixes or a handle for morning coffee -- is a great corporate gift for employees and customers. Customers with dexterity challenges appreciate tumblers with straws. They allow for easy sipping throughout the day.

Personalized Tote Bags

Reusable grocery bags, duffle bags, book bags, or backpacks are always in demand. Customers and employees will tote your company logo to the store, gym, airport, or beach.

Promotional Beverage Holders

There are many options available for drink covers/beverage holders. They are popular for keeping drinks cold on hot days and avoiding drink mixups. Beverage covers -- also known as koozies -- are a very affordable giveaway option. Pick from several designs to amplify your messaging.

Are you ready to lift the women in your life with custom promotional products? Contact your Logotech Account Manager today to get started.