As we near the end of Women’s History Month, we’d like to reflect on International Women’s Day (March 8), not only its history but on why it remains important to celebrate the holiday today.
International Women’s Day began in the early 1900s with strong ties to the women’s labor movement. It was officially celebrated for the first time in Europe in 1911, the same year as the infamous “Triangle Fire,” an incident in a New York City factory where 140 women lost their lives. This tragic event drew more attention to women’s labor rights. Remembering those who died has often been a component of International Women’s Day celebrations.
Celebrating International Women’s Day in Siares
The holiday then spread to Russia and elsewhere across Europe in 1913, and in 1914 and March 8 was agreed upon as the official date. However, it wasn’t until 1975 that the United Nations officially celebrated the holiday.
Today, we continue to observe the holiday to recognize women’s equality and to draw attention to labor rights. Unfortunately, access to work and decent working conditions is still a struggle for many women worldwide.
Much of the work that women do is unacknowledged, particularly in Nicaragua, where many women are part of the informal economy. The country also has one of the highest percentages for female heads of households in Central America, 37% in urban areas and 28% across the country.
On International Women’s Day, we celebrate all of the work that women do, including informal work and care work. In honor of this important holiday, we held celebrations with the various groups of women we work with in Soledad de la Cruz, Siares, La Majadita, and San Isidro.