Every meaningful movement begins with people gathering together—sharing ideas, supporting one another, and believing that change is possible.

International Women’s Day is one of those movements.

Each year on March 8, communities around the world pause to celebrate the achievements of women, reflect on the progress made toward equality, and recommit to building a future where women and girls have the opportunities they deserve. But at its heart, International Women’s Day is more than recognition—it is about connection, collaboration, and the power of people coming together to create something greater than themselves.

As an event planner and someone deeply involved in organizations that uplift women and families, I see firsthand how powerful gatherings can be. When women gather, ideas grow. When communities support one another, momentum builds. And when we intentionally create spaces for connection, we strengthen the very fabric of our communities.

That spirit is exactly what International Women’s Day represents.

What Inspired Me to Write This Article

Recently, I attended a meeting at the Tempe Woman’s Club where we discussed the significance of International Women’s Day and the role local organizations play in supporting women.

Listening to the conversation reminded me how important it is to continue telling these stories—stories of courage, advocacy, and community. The discussion also brought back memories of my long connection to the Girl Scouts of the USA and the broader global sisterhood of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS).

As someone who has been deeply involved in Girl Scouts and values its mission of empowering young women, I was especially inspired by how WAGGGS (World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts) participates in the movement. Girl Scouts and WAGGGS have long focused on empowering girls to become confident leaders, teaching them that their voices matter and their contributions can shape the world.

That mission aligns beautifully with the spirit of International Women’s Day: empowering women and girls to lead, advocate, and build a better future.

With this inspiration, I felt compelled to share what I learned—not just about the origins of IWD but also about why it remains so significant today.

The Origins of International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day began as a movement fueled by courage and determination.

In the early 20th century, women across the world were advocating for better working conditions, fair wages, and the right to vote. Their efforts sparked a global movement that continues today.

Key Moments in the History of International Women’s Day

1908 – New York City
Thousands of women garment workers marched for shorter working hours, better pay, and voting rights.

1909 – National Woman’s Day
Inspired by the protests, the Socialist Party of America declared the first National Woman’s Day.

1910 – A Global Vision
At an international conference in Copenhagen, activist Clara Zetkin proposed the creation of a global day dedicated to advocating for women’s rights.

1911 – The First International Celebration
Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland celebrated the first official International Women’s Day.

That same year, the tragic Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in New York City killed 146 workers—most of them young immigrant women—drawing attention to unsafe labor conditions and strengthening calls for reform.

1917 – A Defining Protest
Russian women led demonstrations for “bread and peace” during World War I. Their actions helped secure voting rights for women and established March 8 as the date for International Women’s Day.

1980 -Thank you President Carter

U.S. President Jimmy Carter proclaims week of March 8 'National Women's History Week.

2026 - 115 years!!!!

For more than a century, the day has continued to evolve into a global celebration of women’s achievements and a call for gender equality.

The 2026 International Women’s Day Theme: “Give to Gain”

The global campaign theme for International Women’s Day 2026 is “Give to Gain.”

The message is simple yet powerful: when we invest in women and support their advancement, everyone benefits. Giving support, mentorship, opportunity, and resources creates stronger communities and shared progress.

“Give to Gain” reminds us that empowerment is not a zero-sum game. When women thrive:

• Families grow stronger

• Businesses become more innovative

• Communities become more resilient

• Future generations gain new opportunities

Giving—whether through time, mentorship, education, advocacy, or support—multiplies impact across entire communities.

Why International Women’s Day Still Matters

Even after more than a century, the work is not finished.

International Women’s Day continues to focus on critical issues such as:

Gender Equality
Ensuring equal rights, opportunities, and representation for women worldwide.

Economic Opportunity
Closing the gender pay gap and expanding leadership opportunities.

Ending Gender-Based Violence
Advocating for safety and protection for women and girls everywhere.

Women in Leadership and STEM
Encouraging more women to pursue leadership roles and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

While progress has been made, continued awareness, advocacy, and action remain essential.

The Power of Gathering: Why Events Matter

As someone who plans weddings, celebrations, and community events through MJK Events, I believe deeply in the power of gatherings.

Events are not just parties.

They are moments where people come together to celebrate milestones, strengthen relationships, and create shared meaning.

International Women’s Day gatherings—whether small conversations at a local club or large global events—carry that same power.

When people gather with intention, they inspire each other.
They learn from each other.
They lift each other up.

That is the emotional territory I strive to create through MJK Events: intentional gatherings that bring people together in meaningful ways and strengthen the bonds that shape our lives and communities.

How You Can Participate in International Women’s Day

You don’t have to organize a global movement to make an impact. Small actions create powerful ripple effects.

Here are a few ways you can participate:

Support Women-Owned Businesses
Choose to purchase from female entrepreneurs.

Mentor or Encourage a Young Woman
Share your knowledge and help someone grow.

Advocate for Equality
Speak up about fairness and opportunity in your workplace or community.

Celebrate Women’s Achievements
Share stories of inspiring women—past and present.

Attend or Host an Event
Community gatherings, networking events, or fundraisers help amplify awareness.

Every act of giving contributes to the spirit of Give to Gain.

Celebrating Women and Building Community

International Women’s Day is both a celebration and a reminder.

It celebrates the progress women have made across generations.

And it reminds us that our collective future depends on how we continue to support and uplift one another.

I am grateful for the opportunity to learn more about International Women’s Day through the Tempe Woman’s Club and to witness how organizations like Girl Scouts and WAGGGS continue to inspire young women to lead with confidence and purpose.

Because when we invest in women and girls, we invest in the future.

And when we gather with intention, we create the kind of connections that change lives.

Call to Action

At MJK Events, I believe gatherings have the power to strengthen families, celebrate legacies, and bring communities together.

Whether you are planning:

• A fundraiser or nonprofit event

• A community celebration

• A family reunion

• Or a wedding that reflects your values and traditions

I would be honored to help you design an event that brings people together with purpose and meaning.

Let’s create a gathering that celebrates connection and leaves a lasting impact.

Visit MJK Events to start the conversation about planning your next meaningful event.