March 8 — International Women’s Day

March 8 is an important date in the global struggle for women’s rights. In many countries around the world, this day is celebrated as International Women’s Day, which in Italy is commonly known simply as Festa della Donna. It is a meaningful occasion dedicated to reflecting—both locally and globally—on the condition of women, on the rights that have been won and must continue to be defended, and on those that still need to be achieved.

But when did Festa della Donna begin? Why was March 8 chosen? And why is the mimosa its symbol?

Historical Origins

International Women’s Day traces its roots to early 20th‑century labor movements in North America and Europe.

In 1908, during a conference of the Socialist Party in Chicago, Corinne Brown (1849–1914), an American Marxist and social activist, spoke out against the exploitation of female workers, who were also discriminated against in wages. In February 1909, the foundations of what would become International Women’s Day were laid with the first “National Woman’s Day,” organized in response to a large-scale strike by New York garment workers demanding better pay, shorter hours, safer working conditions, and the right to vote.

The first official celebration took place on February 28, 1909, when the American Socialist Party chose this date to honor the garment workers’ strike, which had seen many women protest against harsh labor conditions. The idea quickly gained international recognition.

In 1910, at the International Women’s Conference in Copenhagen, German socialist Clara Zetkin proposed the creation of a permanent day dedicated to women’s rights—a day when women could make their voices heard. The date of March 8 would not be fixed until the years surrounding World War I. The United Nations formally recognized the celebration in 1975, and each year a specific theme is chosen to highlight a key issue.

The Celebration in Italy

After World War I, the Italian Communist Party promoted International Women’s Day, but it was not until the 1970s that a common European date was adopted. In 1977, the United Nations officially declared March 8 as International Women’s Day, promoting gender equality as a fundamental principle of its Charter.

In Italy, the tradition had already taken root. In 1944, the UDI (Unione Donne Italiane) chose March 8 to celebrate women in the liberated territories. The date became even more symbolic after the massive women’s demonstrations in Rome on March 8, 1972, where many marched to demand rights such as access to abortion.

March 8 remains a crucial date, as there is still much progress to be made in achieving gender equality, women’s emancipation, and equal opportunities.

The Mimosa: A Symbol of Strength

Since 1946, the mimosa has been the symbol of Festa della Donna in Italy. It was chosen by Rita Montagnana, the first wife of Italian politician Palmiro Togliatti,(leader of Communist Party in Italy) and Teresa Mattei, a partisan and one of the youngest members of the Constituent Assembly.

They selected this simple, bright, and distinctive flower because:

• it blooms in early March,
• it is inexpensive and easy to find,
• it can be given by anyone, making the celebration accessible to all.

The mimosa became a symbol of solidarity and support for women’s rights—something that could be gifted, worn, and shared by everyone.

In modern Italy, Festa della Donna is both a celebration of women’s achievements and a reminder of the work still needed to ensure equality and safety for all women. It is a day deeply woven into Italian culture, marked by solidarity, remembrance, and appreciation.

Celebrations often include:

• Women receiving mimosa flowers from friends, family, and colleagues.
• Free or discounted entry for women at museums, cultural sites, and local institutions.
• Restaurants and cafés offering themed menus or special events.
• Schools and communities organize discussions on women’s rights, gender equality, and ongoing challenges.

March is women’s month—and also the month of The Italian Spirit, because I was born in March! Clearly, the universe has excellent timing.

The message is clear: respect for all women.

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