International Women’s Day is celebrated every year on 8th March, recognising the achievements of women and calling for gender equality. While many are familiar with its purpose, there are some fascinating aspects of this global movement that are often overlooked. Here are five things you might not know about IWD.

1. The 2025 theme is ‘Accelerate Action’

Each year, International Women’s Day adopts a new theme to highlight key issues. For 2025, the theme is ‘Accelerate Action’, urging individuals, businesses, and governments to take faster, more decisive steps towards gender equality. The focus is on breaking down systemic barriers, addressing gender bias, and ensuring that progress doesn’t stall. You can expect events, discussions, and initiatives around the world all pushing for meaningful change.

2. It began over a century ago

International Women’s Day has roots in the early 1900s, a time of growing activism around workers’ rights and women’s suffrage. The first official event took place in New York in 1909, organised by the Socialist Party of America. The idea quickly spread across Europe, and by 1911, countries including Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland were holding marches and rallies in support of women’s rights. The date was later set as 8th March, and in 1977, the United Nations officially recognised it as a global observance.

3. Some countries celebrate it as a public holiday

While International Women’s Day is widely recognised, in some parts of the world, it’s a national holiday. Countries including Russia, China, Vietnam, and Uganda observe it as an official day off, with some workplaces giving women a half-day. In Italy, a tradition has emerged where men give women yellow mimosa flowers as a gesture of appreciation. The way the day is marked varies across cultures, but the message of recognition and equality remains the same.

4. It’s more than just a celebration – it’s a movement

International Women’s Day isn’t just about acknowledging achievements; it’s a call to action for gender equality. Across the world, people take part in marches, panel discussions, workshops, and online campaigns highlighting ongoing issues such as the gender pay gap, women’s access to education, and representation in leadership roles. It’s a day for governments, businesses, and individuals to reflect on progress and commit to further change. Many organisations use the occasion to announce new policies supporting women in the workplace, making it a key moment for social and corporate responsibility.

5. The official colours have historical significance

The official colours of International Women’s Day – purple, green, and white – come from the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) in the UK, which campaigned for women’s suffrage in the early 20th century. Purple represents justice and dignity, green symbolises hope, and white was originally associated with purity, though this meaning is less emphasised today. These colours are widely used in IWD branding, from event decorations to social media graphics, reinforcing the movement’s long history and ongoing impact.

International Women’s Day has evolved from a small protest movement to a global force for change. Whether it’s through attending events, supporting women-led businesses, or simply spreading awareness, everyone has a role to play in accelerating action towards equality. What does International Women’s Day mean to you? Let us know in the comments!