More Than Just a Date!

International Women’s Day, celebrated every year on March 8, isn’t just another date on the calendar—it’s a global movement. Join us for a Free Spanish Class for International Women’s Day as we honor the fierce fight for gender equality, celebrate the unstoppable achievements of women, and shine a light on the battles still raging.

Born from Revolution, Not Roses

But let’s be clear: this day wasn’t born out of politeness and flower bouquets—it came from strikes, revolutions, and relentless demands for change. So, if someone just hands you a flower and calls it a day—hand them a history book, or even better, this article. And maybe a protest sign—or even better a Free Spanish Class for International Women’s Day

Beyond Flowers and Chocolates

So buckle up, because we’re diving into its explosive origins, global impact, and the unstoppable women who have shaped history. And if you thought this was just about handing out chocolates and saying “Happy Women’s Day,” think again.

A Celebration of Power, Protest, and Progress

International Women’s Day isn’t just about flowers and feel-good speeches—it’s a battle cry. It’s a day to honor the women who fought, marched, and shattered barriers, not just the ones history conveniently remembers.

From factory strikes to revolutions, from boardrooms to the streets, women have shaped the world—and they’re not done yet.

So, forget the chocolates and empty slogans. This is about power. This is about protest. This is about progress.

The Fight for Rights: Blood, Sweat, & No Roses

The story of International Women’s Day isn’t about gifts and niceties—it’s about women demanding what was rightfully theirs.

Back in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, women—especially those in factories—endured 14-hour shifts, miserable pay, and zero political power. Basically, if you think your job is bad, imagine working in conditions that made a hamster wheel look like a luxury spa.

They had two choices: stay silent or fight back. Guess which one they picked?

Bread & Roses… and No, Not Guns N’ Roses

In 1908, thousands of female textile workers flooded the streets of New York, demanding better working conditions, voting rights, and an end to child labor. Their rallying cry? “Bread and Roses.”

Bread for fair wages, roses for a life worth living. Not actual roses, mind you—nobody was asking for bouquets, just some basic human dignity.

Enter Clara Zetkin & Said “Let’s Go Global”

Jump to 1910: at the Second International Socialist Women’s Conference in Copenhagen, German activist Clara Zetkin proposed a radical idea—a global day dedicated to women’s rights.

Basically, she dropped the feminist equivalent of a ‘We need to talk’ text—except it was directed at the entire world. The room? Sold.

By 1911, the first International Women’s Day saw mass rallies in Germany, Austria, Denmark, and Switzerland.

Basically, it was the OG feminist flash mob, except instead of TikTok dances, they were demanding rights.

The Protest That Changed Everything: March 8, 1917

Then came the protest that rocked history. On March 8, 1917 (February 23 in the old Russian calendar), thousands of women in Petrograd (Saint Petersburg) took to the streets. Their demands?

Food, peace, and an end to tyranny. Their action? They helped trigger the Russian Revolution, leading to the fall of Tsar Nicholas II.

That’s right—a group of furious, underpaid, overworked women helped topple an empire. Let’s see a bunch of tech bros try that.

UN Recognition: About Time

Despite decades of activism, it wasn’t until 1975—the International Year of Women—that the United Nations finally recognized March 8 as International Women’s Day. Took them long enough! Honoring that recognition, KDF is offering a Free Spanish Class for International Women’s Day.

Why International Women’s Day Still Matters

It’s not just about celebrating progress—it’s about recognizing what still needs to be done. Here are some of the biggest battles women still face:

• The Gender Pay Gap – On average, women earn 20% less than men for doing the same job. Yes, still. But sure, let’s keep calling it “progress” and throw a pink ribbon on it.
• Violence Against Women – 1 in 3 women worldwide experiences physical or sexual violence. If that number doesn’t make your blood boil, check your pulse.
• Political Representation – As of 2023, only 26.5% of parliamentary seats worldwide are held by women. Progress? Yes. Enough? Not even close.
• Reproductive Rights – Many women still struggle to access contraception, safe abortions, and adequate healthcare. Because apparently, controlling women’s bodies is still a global pastime.

But here’s the good news: women aren’t backing down. From equal pay laws to powerful feminist movements, the world is changing—one protest, one policy, and one fearless woman at a time.

How IWD is Celebrated Worldwide

Different countries, different traditions, same fight for equality. Here’s how March 8 looks around the globe:

• Latin America: Countries like Mexico, Argentina, and Chile erupt in mass marches against femicide and gender violence. No, not a parade—a protest.
• Europe: Spain, France, and Italy mark the day with debates, exhibitions, and feminist rallies (hopefully fewer mansplainers than usual).
• Asia: In China and Russia, March 8 is a national holiday—women even get the day off work. (Honestly, a day off should be the bare minimum everywhere.)
• Africa: In Rwanda, a global leader in gender equality, women hold over 60% of parliamentary seats (yes, you read that right). Meanwhile, some “developed” nations still debate whether women should make as much as men.

Meanwhile, some countries have commercialized the day, turning it into a Valentine’s Day knockoff with flowers and chocolates. Unsurprisingly, feminists aren’t amused.

Women Who Changed the World

March 8 is also a time to celebrate women who rewrote history. Here are just a few of them:

• Flora Tristán (1803–1844) – A Peruvian-French socialist and early feminist who fought for women’s rights and workers’ rights. She was one of the first to link feminism with class struggle, arguing that women’s liberation was essential for social progress.
• Marie Curie (1867–1934) – First woman to win a Nobel Prize, and the only one to win in two different sciences. A true queen of radioactivity.
• Frida Kahlo (1907–1954) – Mexican artist who made self-portraits a political statement. If Instagram had existed back then, she’d have owned it.
• Malala Yousafzai (1997– ) – Survived a Taliban attack and became the global face of girls’ education. And she’s still just getting started.
• Simone de Beauvoir (1908–1986) – French philosopher and author of The Second Sex, which basically kick-started modern feminism. No big deal.
• Rosa Parks (1913–2005) – Sat down, refused to move, and ignited the U.S. civil rights movement. Absolute legend.
• Wangari Maathai (1940–2011) – Kenyan environmentalist and the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize. Trees + activism = revolution.
• María Elena Moyano (1958–1992) – Peruvian activist who fought against poverty and violence, standing up to terrorist groups like the Shining Path before being assassinated for her activism. Her legacy lives on in Peru’s fight for justice and equality.

How Peru Celebrates International Women’s Day

In Peru, March 8 is marked by marches, protests, and events celebrating women’s achievements and highlighting ongoing struggles.

Activists honor figures like Flora Tristán, who linked feminism with workers’ rights in the 19th century, and María Elena Moyano, who stood against terrorism and poverty. Their fights for justice still inspire Peruvian women today.

Women’s rights groups use this day to demand equal pay, stronger protections against gender violence, and greater political representation. While some companies and institutions offer small gestures like flowers or discounts, the real focus remains on advocacy and social change.

Peru: From the Ballot Box to the Streets

In Peru, March 8 isn’t just a date—it’s a day of marches, protests, and celebrations. Women take to the streets to honor past victories, demand justice, and push for the rights that are still out of reach. Because while progress has been made, the fight is far from over.

A Brief History of Women’s Rights in Peru

• 1955 – Women in Peru finally gained the right to vote after years of activism. Yes, it took that long.
• 2000s – The battle against gender-based violence intensified, leading to stronger laws against femicide.
• 2015 – The movement “Ni Una Menos” exploded across the country, bringing national attention to violence against women and demanding justice for victims.
• 2021 – Peru elected its first female president of Congress, a step toward greater political representation.

But let’s not sugarcoat it—domestic violence, workplace discrimination, and gender inequality remain major issues. Women in Peru are still fighting for equal pay, reproductive rights, and an end to impunity for gender-based violence.

The message is clear: the fight isn’t over. And if history has shown us anything, it’s that Peruvian women aren’t backing down anytime soon.

The Mirabal Sisters: Resistance in the Face of Tyranny

Speaking of fearless women, let’s talk about the Mirabal sisters—Patria, Minerva, and María Teresa. These Dominican revolutionaries stood up to dictator Rafael Trujillo. Their reward? Brutal assassination on November 25, 1960.

But their deaths sparked a movement. Decades later, the United Nations declared November 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women—in their honor.

This Fight Isn’t Over

International Women’s Day isn’t just a feel-good celebration—it’s a battle cry. Yes, we’ve made strides. Yes, women have shattered ceilings. But there are barriers left to break, voices left to amplify, and fights left to win.

So, whether you’re marching, protesting, educating, or supporting women in your community, know this: every action counts. History is written by those who refuse to stay silent.

Happy International Women’s Day—now, let’s keep making history.

Celebrate and Learn with Kasa de Franko

Want to celebrate International Women’s Day in a meaningful way? Kasa de Franko is offering a Free Spanish Class for International Women’s Day on March 8 to empower more women through language learning.

Whether you’re looking to improve your Spanish or just want to be part of a global movement, this is your chance to learn, connect, and celebrate progress. Sign up and join the conversation!