The Fight for Gender Equality:
Why We Commemorate International Women’s Day

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Every year on March 8th, the world pauses to acknowledge International Women’s Day. Yet, rather than a celebration, this day serves as a reminder—a call to reflect on the struggles women have endured and continue to face in their pursuit of equality. From tragic workplace injustices to global movements advocating for fundamental rights, the history behind this date is deeply woven with resistance, resilience, and the ongoing fight for justice.

The True Origins of International Women’s Day

Contrary to popular belief, International Women’s Day did not originate solely from a single event, such as the tragic fire at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in New York in 1911. While this disaster exposed the dire working conditions of women in the garment industry—claiming the lives of 123 women and 23 men—it was not the sole catalyst for the global movement that followed [1].

The origins of this day are deeply intertwined with the rise of women’s labor movements in the early 20th century. In 1908, 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding better wages, shorter working hours, and voting rights. This demonstration fueled further activism, leading to the first official National Women’s Day in the U.S. in 1909, organized by the Socialist Party of America [2].

A pivotal moment came in 1910, when german socialist Clara Zetkin proposed the idea of an international day dedicated to women's rights at the International Socialist Women’s Congress in Copenhagen. Her proposal was unanimously adopted, and the first International Women’s Day was observed on March 19, 1911, in countries such as Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Denmark, where more than a million people participated in demonstrations advocating for gender equality [2].

The Political Evolution of Women’s Rights

Over the decades, International Women’s Day became a powerful tool for activism and political change. During World War I, women in Russia played a significant role in using this day to demand their rights. On March 8, 1917, thousands of Russian women took to the streets to protest food shortages and demand better working conditions—sparking a revolution that ultimately led to women gaining the right to vote in Russia that same year [2].

As the movement spread globally, the United Nations officially recognized International Women’s Day in 1977, encouraging nations to advocate for gender equality and women’s rights [3]. However, despite legal advancements in many countries, the systemic oppression of women continues in various forms, from wage gaps to violence and political exclusion.

Picture by: Zuma Press, Inc./Alamy

Women and the Textile Industry: A History of Injustice

The textile industry has long been a battleground for women's labor rights. Historically, women have been the backbone of garment production, from the textile mills of 19th-century England to the modern-day factories of Bangladesh and Vietnam. In Peru, while large-scale garment factories are less common, women play a key role in the country’s artisan and textile export industries, particularly in the production of alpaca wool and high-quality cotton. Despite their crucial role, they have often endured exploitative conditions—long hours, low wages, and unsafe workplaces [1].

The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in 1911 remains one of the most harrowing examples of industrial neglect. Locked inside a burning building with no escape, the women workers perished due to their employers’ disregard for safety. This tragedy fueled global labor reforms, yet, over a century later, similar injustices persist in sweatshops around the world [1].

Women’s Struggles Today: Why the Fight Isn’t Over

Despite the progress made, women worldwide continue to face systemic challenges. The gender pay gap remains a pressing issue, with women earning approximately 20% less than men on average globally. In the fashion industry alone, where 80% of workers are women, many still endure unsafe environments and unfair wages [1].

Moreover, gender-based violence, reproductive rights restrictions, and political underrepresentation are stark reminders that equality is far from achieved. In some regions, women still lack access to education, healthcare, and financial independence, perpetuating cycles of poverty and disempowerment [3].

The global feminist movement continues to push forward, demanding accountability from corporations, governments, and societies. True change requires more than acknowledgment—it calls for action.

Source: NY Daily News.

Beyond a Single Day: The Continuous Fight for Equality

International Women’s Day is not a celebration but a commemoration of the battles fought and the ones still ahead. While we recognize the resilience and achievements of women worldwide, we must also confront the uncomfortable truths about the persisting inequalities.

At AYA, we believe in fashion with a purpose—one that uplifts women rather than exploits them. Through ethical sourcing, fair wages, and a commitment to sustainability, we support a future where no woman’s labor is undervalued.

As consumers, we hold power in our choices. Supporting ethical brands, amplifying women’s voices, and challenging systemic barriers are steps toward a more just world.

So today, and every day, let’s not just acknowledge women’s struggles—let’s commit to action. Because equality isn’t a privilege. It’s a right.

Picture by: StockSnap

Authors & Researchers

Jordy Munarriz

Environmental Engineer with a master's degree in renewable energy and a specialization in sustainability. Researcher and writer, he combines his technical knowledge with his passion for environmental communication, addressing topics of ecological impact and sustainable solutions in the textile industry and beyond.