International Women's Day
March 8 is International Women's Day (IWD), a time to celebrate the progress made in advancing women’s rights and highlight the ongoing efforts needed to ensure their full participation in all aspects of society.
About International Women’s Day
The beginnings of International Women's Day can be traced back to the early twentieth century. It emerged from the activities of labour movements in North America and Europe and reflected a growing call for women’s equal participation in society.
International Women's Day first took place on March 19, 1911, in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland, when over a million people attended rallies to show their support for women's rights to work, vote, hold public office and live free of discrimination. Other countries began to observe and celebrate this day in the years that followed. The United Nations recognized 1975 as International Women's Year and began celebrating March 8 as International Women's Day.
Today, International Women's Day is a day of unity, celebration, reflection, advocacy, and action and is marked in many countries worldwide, including Canada.
Ways to get involved
- Share stories of women making a difference in your community, school, or workplace
- Take action to support gender equality in your everyday life (support women-led initiatives, challenge stereotypes, promote fairness and understanding)
- Learn about inspiring Canadian women and the history of gender equality in Canada:
- Get to know the Women of Impact in Canada online gallery featuring profiles of courageous women who have made an impact in politics, the arts and sciences, and countless other fields
- Explore the Women in Canadian History: A Timeline showcasing the achievements of Canadian women in various fields such as politics, sciences, and the arts
- Consult the Gender equality timeline for an overview of gender equality milestones in Canada
- Watch Heritage Minutes videos on notable Canadian women
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50 years of federal action to advance gender equality in Canada
Fair workplaces, equitable policies, and thriving communities don’t happen overnight; they’re built through sustained, coordinated effort over time.
Over 50 years ago, Canadian women and civil society groups called for action to advance gender equality, which led to the creation of Status of Women Canada in 1976, now the Department for Women and Gender Equality. This 50-year milestone marks progress and highlights the ongoing work to build a future where everyone can reach their full potential.
Digital toolkit
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Web banner
Text version – Web banner
International Women’s Day and Journée internationale des femmes bilingual text next to floral illustrated motif on a beige background with Canada wordmark.
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Facebook, X and LinkedIn
Text version – Facebook, X and LinkedIn
A group of smiling women in a blue square, International Women’s Day with floral illustrations under words, one woman in an orange square, and the Canada wordmark.
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Text version – Instagram
Floral illustrations above International Women’s Day, March 8, with two smiling women below on top of floral illustrations, and the Canada wordmark.
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Virtual meeting background
Text version – Virtual meeting background
A group of smiling women in a blue square, International Women’s Day with floral illustrations under words, one woman in an orange square, and the Canada wordmark.
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Printable information factsheet
Text version – Printable information factsheet
International Women’s Day is a global day to recognize the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women and girls, and to reflect on the work needed to achieve gender equality.
The first International Women's Day was marked on March 8, 1911, when over a million people across Europe came together to support women’s rights, including the right to work, vote, hold public office and live free of discrimination.
In Canada, it’s a time to celebrate progress on women’s rights and to recognize the ongoing work underway to support women and girls’ fully participation in all areas of society.
International Women’s Day reminds us that meaningful change takes time, commitment, and action. Everyone has a role to play.
Ways to get involved
Learn about inspiring Canadian women and the history of gender equality in Canada
Share stories of women making a difference in your community, school, or workplace
Take action to support gender equality in your everyday life (support women-led initiatives, challenge stereotypes, promote fairness and understanding)
Did you know?
Over 50 years ago, Canadian women and civil society groups called for action to advance gender equality, which led to the creation of Status of Women Canada in 1976, now the Department for Women and Gender Equality. This 50-year milestone marks progress and highlights the ongoing work to build a future where everyone can reach their full potential.
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Additional resources
Features
Women of Impact in Canada
An online gallery celebrating women’s achievements and contributions to Canadian society