AOF Activities & Events

International Women's Day (IWD), an international celebration, honors the social, economical, and political achievements made by women everywhere.

This secular holiday dates back to the early 1900's, a time of turbulent growth in the industrialized world that saw growing demands for women to have the right to vote. Among other relevant historical events, it commemorates the "Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire", on March 25, 1911 in New York City, where over 140 women lost their lives.

Born from the socialist and labor movements, International Women's Day has grown to become a global day of recognition and celebration across developed and developing countries alike. Promoted by the United Nations since 1975, International Women's Day is, in the words of the UN, "a day when women are recognized for their achievements without regard to divisions, whether national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political. It is an occasion for looking back on past struggles and accomplishments, and more importantly, for looking ahead to the untapped potential and opportunities that await future generations of women." 

For decades, IWD has increased in strength annually. Women's organizations and governments around the world have celebrated IWD annually on the 8th of March by holding large-scale events that honor women's progress and highlight areas where women's rights still need to be advanced.

IWD is an occasion that can be celebrated by all community groups that believe women's rights are human rights.

Each year on March 8, hundreds of International Women's Day events occur all around the world. IWD events range from small random informal gatherings to large-scale highly organized events. All celebrate women's advancement and highlight the need for continued vigilance and action. The day is about honoring all women and their accomplishments, this can done by taking part in a large organized activity or by simply honoring the women in one's life with flowers, a small gift, or even a thank you.