Happy March 8 - International Women's Day!

Celebrated every year on March 8, International Women's Day or in its full name, the International Working Women's Day is a very special day highlighting the presence of women in political, social and cultural spheres and in fact, almost every sphere of life.

The foundation of this day was laid on March 8, 1957, when forty thousand female workers began to strike in New York City, USA for more humane working conditions. As the strike progressed, the police attacked the female workers. The female workers, who were locked in the factory, could not cross the barricades and escape. So, they lost their lives there. 129 people died. Thousands of people attended the funeral ceremony held after this tragic incident.

At the women's congress held in Copenhagen, Denmark on August 26-27, 1910, Clara Zetkin, one of the leaders of the German Social Democratic Party, put forward a suggestion regarding commemoration and celebration of this day as "Internationaler Frauentag", in other words, International Women's Day, in memory of women who died in the factory fire. This suggestion was accepted unanimously.

Celebration of International Women's Day during the First and Second World War was not allowed in some of the countries. This special day dedicated to women started to be celebrated in the USA in the late 1960s, became a current issue and drew much more attention. On December 16, 1977, the United Nations General Assembly approved celebration of March 8 as "International Women's Day".

In Turkey, March 8 - International Women's Day was celebrated as International Working Women's Day for the first time in 1921. In 1975, it started to be celebrated with a more overwhelming impression. It started to be celebrated not only indoors and under corporate ambiance, but also outdoor and in the squares. Until the military coup in September 12, 1980. No celebrations were held for four years after the military coup.  Since 1984, this special day dedicated to women continues to be celebrated every year by many non-governmental organizations, especially women's organizations, and women with working spirit.

A woman is not a living creature giving birth to children, working in the field and at home, and doing things requiring physical strength; woman continues to be an individual existing in every sphere of life and in every dynamic with her free attitude, mind, conscience, diligence, productivity, love and compassion. The woman reproduces, heals, calms and gives life. The touch of a woman's hand makes everything shine and stronger. Women deserve love, respect, encouragement and appreciation. Women, the individuals who have the right to vote and stand for election and who produce and deserve to be in every level of the state, celebrate this day together with all women around the world.

We celebrate March 8 - International Women's Day of all women around the world!