The history and events celebrating women around the world.
Dakota Gold
Staff Writer
AC&T
Cities throughout South Carolina recognized International Women’s Day alongside the rest of the world on March 8 through celebratory events including festivals, luncheons and fashion shows.
The first celebration of IWD was in the early 20th-century originating from labor movements in North America and Europe. The first official rally happened in 1911.
The day was officially established to bring attention to women’s suffrage, equal pay and labor rights. The United Nations later recognized the day to promote gender equality, reflect on progress and celebrate the achievements of women.
In 1909, the Socialist Party of America declared the first International Women’s Day on Feb. 28.
In 1910, Clara Zetkin, a German activist, proposed an International Women’s Day at the second International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen, aiming to promote women’s suffrage.
On March 19, 1911, more than a million people attended rallies in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland to demand the rights to work, vote and to end gender discrimination.
On March 8, 1917, Russian women initiated a “Bread and Peace” strike securing voting rights and forcing the czar’s abdication, finalizing March 8 as the official day.
In 1975, the United Nations celebrated International Women’s Year followed by the adoption of an official day for women’s rights and international peace two years later. This year marks the 115th year of celebration.
Previously rooted in labor, IWD has become an annual global celebration of women’s achievements. This year’s theme is “Give to Gain,” which advocates for gender equality through abundant giving.
The IWD organization said this campaign encourages a mindset of generosity and collaboration.
“Give To Gain emphasizes the power of reciprocity and support. When people, organizations, and communities give generously, opportunities and support for women increase. Giving is not a subtraction; it’s intentional multiplication. When women thrive, we all rise.”
They add that contributing to women’s advancement helps create a more interconnected world. Giving can be through donations, knowledge, resources, advocacy, education, mentoring or time.
“We can all give our support to gain advancement for women and girls. As individuals, giving support means calling out stereotypes, challenging discrimination, questioning bias, celebrating women’s success and more,” the organization said.
IWD is not specific to a country or organization. It is a day of collective global activism and celebration for all those who fight for gender equality.
Several cities in South Carolina took part in the celebrations of women’s empowerment.
Historic York celebrated IWD on March 7, 2026 with a day full of community events to highlight and foster relationships among women.
The events held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. included breakfast and crafts, tea time, a spring fashion show and several other activities. They even held free mammogram screenings from Invision Diagnostics.
The main activity, the Spring Fashion Show hosted by Sweet Southern Gals, took place at 4:30 p.m. to close the event. Sweet Southern Gals is a ladies boutique found in Rock Hill and York.
Ryleigh Schronce, freshman in art education at Winthrop, attended this event.
“As someone who was raised in York, I found this a moving event because the show highlights the strength in the women around my community and around me,” Schronce said.
In the capital city, Columbia, women gathered for a walk on the West Columbia Riverwalk at 10 a.m. In the evening, the Zonta Club celebrated the women in the community through live music, food, and a silent auction with proceeds going towards scholarships for rising college students.
Furman University hosted a “Give to Gain” event in Greenville that focused on empowering women in leadership and professional positions. Participants shared challenges they experienced that they were willing to “give” the group, while in return they “gained” new perspectives and support.
Quarterman’s Park in North Charleston held a women’s march called “Unite and Resist.” The rally emphasized defending the rights, bodies, and futures of women.
