Why do we celebrate Int'l Women's Day?
The answer lies within every woman who refused to be invisible
On March 8th of every year since the early 1900s, the world captures the day in dedication to celebrating women, their achievements, their sacrifices, and their resilience. The idea of International Women’s Day (IWD) was approved and spread in 1910 at the International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen, which we now celebrate each year on March 8th. IWD did not begin with hashtags or corporate panels. It was born from fire!
Al Jalees created this article to take you back in time when the movement began, and to show you how the world today acknowledges women around the world. Additionally, we want to illuminate the global theme; Camino, selected by our partners CreativeMornings this month. The CreativeMornings Riyadh chapter hosted their monthly talk last week and featured Dr. Heidi Alaskary, apart from being regarded as a leader in disability research, she is also a strong role-model as a woman in leadership roles.
Al Jalees, a women-led culture club for the past eleven years, firmly believes that International Women’s Day (IWD) presents a tremendous opportunity to advocate for gender equality and unwavering respect for men and women in society. Remarkably, over 60% of Al Jalees’ members are women of diverse ages and backgrounds. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 serves as a powerful catalyst for gender equality in both the workplace and everyday life, with its potential realization anticipated before 2030.
Countries Celebrate IWD in Various Customs and traditions
Just one day, one world, and so many wonderful ways to celebrate her!
In Saudi Arabia brands, businesses, and institutions spotlight female pioneers, pilots, ambassadors, entrepreneurs in celebration of a transformation that has moved faster than anyone expected.
In Italy, every woman receives a bunch of yellow mimosa flowers, along with golden cakes and pasta that complement the flowers.
Romania, a country known for its warm and personal traditions, celebrates Mother’s Day with cards and flowers for mothers, grandmothers, and friends.
In the United States, March is celebrated as Women’s History Month, marked by rallies, conferences, and advocacy events on March 8th.
Russia, a nation that has been celebrating a national public holiday since 1918, now marks this occasion with gifts and expressions of appreciation.
China observes a girls’ day on March 7th, followed by a half-day off for women on the 8th.
Australia has been organizing marches since the 1970s, which have evolved to include panel discussions and prominent female speakers.
Spain’s streets echo with the spirit of the 2018 general strike, inspiring over 5 million people to participate in a 24-hour walkout. While mass strikes may not dominate future International Women’s Days, Spain aims to prioritize women’s and girls’ rights.
Scottish Prime Minister Nicola Sturgeon will host 400 women at the Scottish Parliament, emphasizing the importance of gender balance and affordable childcare for the women’s movement.
In Arabic, Spanish, Russian, and English, the message is consistent: “She was always here; we just needed a day to remind ourselves to see her.”
Dr. Heidi Alaudeen Alaskary
For the past two decades, Dr. Heidi has been ambitiously building a world a world where people with disabilities have opportunity, where women lead, and inclusion isn’t a policy on paper but a practice in daily life. She spoke about her mission last week at the CreativeMornings talk, she reminded us that he African proverb, “It takes a village,” extends beyond raising children. In fact, collaborative leadership is essential for achieving meaningful change globally.
"My passion lies in partnering with experts worldwide to enhance equity in economic, social, and recreational opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds. As a strategic leader, partnership builder, advocate, educator, and researcher, I specialize in championing diversity and inclusion, particularly focusing on disability services and women in leadership. My career began as a speech-language pathologist, and I later expanded my expertise." – Dr Heidi Alaskary
On this global occasion, we chose to feature Heidi as the role model, her efforts match well with this year's IWD campaign theme Give to Gain. It's a call to embrace generosity and collaboration as the driving forces behind gender equality. The message is both straightforward and revolutionary: when we invest time, voice, opportunities, and advocacy in women, we all benefit. When women flourish, societies flourish. This year, the campaign urges everyone—individuals, organizations, and governments—to reflect on what they can relinquish and generously offer to expedite genuine parity.
"Giving is not a subtraction — it is intentional multiplication. When women thrive, we all rise." — IWD 2026 Campaign
Saudi Arabia: A Case Study of Transformation
Saudi Arabia’s transformation over the past decade shows societal change’s potential. The surge in female workforce participation and breaking of barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields underscore Vision 2030’s impact and growing women’s rights recognition.
International Women’s Day serves as a reminder of progress and challenges in gender equality. From a grassroots movement to a global celebration, it highlights women’s achievements and resilience. Each country’s customs reflect diverse ways societies honor women’s contributions.
As we celebrate IWD, let’s remember our collective responsibility in advocating for gender equality. Investing in women empowers individuals and enriches societies. The journey towards true equality is ongoing, but with commitment and collaboration, we can build a future where every woman thrives.
References:
Aya Sayed
Emily
International Women’s Day