International Women’s Day history and why it matters in Türkiye

More than a century after women began marching for their rights, gender inequality remains a global struggle.

Around 119 million girls worldwide are still denied an education, and women continue to have access to only two-thirds of the rights that men enjoy. At the current pace, experts predict that full gender equality will not be achieved until 2158.

In Türkiye, where women gained the right to vote in 1934 ahead of many European countries, progress is still necessary.

Women make up less than 20% of Parliament, only 36% participate in the workforce, and at least 394 women were murdered in 2024. International Women’s Day is not just a day of recognition, but the current statistics show that the struggle for equality is far from over.

What are the origins of International Women’s Day?

The roots of International Women’s Day go back to the labor movements of the early 1900s. Women workers, frustrated with poor working conditions, low wages, and lack of political rights, began organizing protests and strikes.

The 1908 New York protest

• On March 8, 1908, 15,000 women marched through New York City, demanding shorter working hours, better wages, and the right to vote.
• Their demands were seen as radical at the time, but the march became a defining moment in the fight for women’s labor rights.

A year later, in 1909, the Socialist Party of America declared Feb. 28 as National Women’s Day, marking the first official recognition of a day dedicated to women’s rights.

How International Women’s Day became a global movement:

• In 1910, German activist Clara Zetkin proposed the idea of a global Women’s Day at the International Socialist Women’s Conference in Copenhagen.
• Zetkin believed that the movement for women’s rights should not be limited to one country but should be an international effort.
• The proposal was accepted by over 100 women from 17 countries, and International Women’s Day was born.

The first widespread celebration took place on March 19, 1911, in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland.

More than a million people participated in protests and rallies, calling for women’s rights, including the right to work, vote, and hold public office.

The movement continued to grow throughout the 20th century, with women’s rights activists using the day to push for equal pay, reproductive rights, and an end to gender-based violence.

• In 1975, during International Women’s Year, the United Nations officially began celebrating International Women’s Day.

• In 1977, the U.N. formally recognized March 8 as International Women’s Day, encouraging member states to observe the day as a moment for reflection, activism, and progress toward gender equality.

Why International Women’s Day matters in 2025

While IWD is an occasion to recognize women’s contributions, it remains a crucial day to talk about gender disparities and raise awareness.

The United Nations’ International Women’s Day theme for 2025 is “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,” while the broader IWD movement has adopted “Accelerate Action” as its theme, emphasizing the need for urgent steps toward gender parity.

According to the World Economic Forum, at the current pace, full gender equality will not be reached until 2158—over five generations from now.

Statistics show the gaps that still exist:

• In conflict zones, reports of sexual violence have surged, with a 50% increase in recorded cases in 2023. Women and girls made up 95% of the victims.
• An estimated 119 million girls worldwide remain out of school.
• Women continue to have access to only two-thirds of the rights that men enjoy in most countries.
• In 2024, nearly half the world’s population participated in elections, but the growth in female political representation was at its lowest rate in 20 years.

Turkish women face serious challenges in gender inequality, safety

Türkiye was one of the first countries to grant women the right to vote in 1934, ahead of several European nations, including France (1944), Italy (1945), Greece (1952), and Switzerland (1971).

However, recent data shows that Turkish women still face serious challenges in employment, political representation, and safety.

By the numbers:

• Violence against women remains a major issue. At least 394 women were murdered in 2024, and 259 women were found dead under suspicious circumstances, according to rights organizations.
• Only 36% of women in Türkiye are part of the labor force.
• Women earn nearly 15% less than men on average.
• Just 11% of executive positions in Türkiye are held by women.
• Women make up less than 20% of the Turkish parliament, trailing behind global averages.

Despite legal protections like Law No. 6284, domestic violence remains widespread, and survivors struggle to access justice due to weak enforcement and societal stigma.

Women in Türkiye also face barriers in career advancement due to gender biases in hiring, workplace discrimination, and limited childcare support. These challenges make it harder for women to achieve financial independence.

While more women are entering politics and business, structural and cultural obstacles continue to prevent full gender equality. Activists and organizations are pushing for stronger enforcement of existing laws, equal pay policies, and better protection against gender-based violence.

International Women’s Day protests in Türkiye

International Women’s Day is not a public holiday in Türkiye, but it has long been a day of celebration. Since 2003, the Feminist Night March has taken place in Istanbul’s Taksim Square, drawing thousands of women demanding rights and equality.

However, in recent years, authorities have banned the march, citing security concerns. This year, Amnesty International has called on Turkish authorities to uphold the right to peaceful protest. In a statement, the organization reminded officials that Türkiye’s constitution and international human rights agreements protect freedom of assembly.

Despite restrictions, women’s rights groups and activists are expected to gather across Türkiye to celebrate International Women’s Day.

How International Women’s data became global movement for change

International Women’s Day is a public holiday in more than 25 countries, including Russia, China (for women only), Uganda, Cuba, and several former Soviet states like Armenia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan. Some regions, such as Berlin in Germany, also recognize it as an official holiday.

In the United States, March is designated as Women’s History Month, with the president issuing an annual proclamation recognizing women’s contributions to society. However, the day itself is not a federal holiday.

One of the most recognizable symbols of International Women’s Day is the color purple, representing justice and dignity. Alongside green (hope) and white (purity), these colors were originally chosen by the Women’s Social and Political Union in the United Kingdom in 1908.

The 2025 International Women’s Day theme, “Accelerate Action,” calls for urgent measures to close gender gaps. Governments, businesses, and individuals all have roles to play in ensuring that equality is not a distant goal but a reality within this generation.