The History of International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day (IWD) has a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. The first official National Women’s Day was observed in the United States on 28 February 1909, organised by the Socialist Party of America. Inspired by this, German socialist Clara Zetkin proposed an International Women’s Day at the 1910 International Socialist Women’s Conference in Copenhagen. The following year, the first official International Women’s Day was celebrated in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland on 19 March 1911.
In 1917, following a women-led protest in Russia demanding “bread and peace” during World War I, the movement gained momentum, and 8 March was officially recognised as International Women’s Day. Since then, IWD has grown into a global movement, recognised by the United Nations in 1977, and now serves as an annual day to highlight gender inequalities, celebrate achievements, and push for systemic change. (International Men’s Day is observed annually on 19th November.)
Activism as an Occupation
Activism is not just a passion, it is a way of doing, engaging, and challenging the systems that shape our world. Occupation, as defined in occupational therapy, encompasses the meaningful activities people engage in, and for many, activism is central to identity and purpose. This is particularly relevant in the fight for gender equity, where women and marginalised communities continue to advocate for systemic change.
On International Women’s Day (IWD), I wanted to blog about activism as an occupation that has historically driven social progress. This year’s theme, ‘Accelerate Action’, calls on us to take swift and decisive steps toward gender equality. At the current rate of progress, it will take until 2158, five generations from now to achieve full gender parity, according to the World Economic Forum. That is too long to wait.
By collectively stepping forward in solidarity, we can #AccelerateAction to break systemic barriers and biases that hinder progress in both personal and professional spheres.
The Role of Activism in Women’s Rights
Women’s activism has been a driving force behind progress in social, political, and economic rights. From the suffragettes to present-day advocates, women have continuously challenged inequities through protests, policymaking, storytelling, and grassroots movements. By “women,” I mean all individuals who identify as women, recognising the diverse and intersectional experiences that shape their activism.
Key areas where activism has shaped change include:
- Equal Pay and Workplace Rights – Advocating for fair wages, maternity rights, and representation.
- Reproductive Rights – Fighting for access to healthcare and bodily autonomy.
- Violence Against Women – Campaigning for policies and support systems to protect survivors.
- Disability and Intersectionality – Addressing the multiple barriers faced by disabled women in workplaces and society.
These movements highlight activism as a necessary occupation, one that requires time, energy, skills, and emotional labour.
Why Equal Pay Matters
Equal pay is a fundamental issue of gender equity, yet women across the world continue to face a gender pay gap. In the UK, women earn on average 15.4% less per hour than men (ONS, 2021). This disparity is even greater for women of colour, disabled women, and those in part-time or insecure work.
Barriers to Equal Pay and Career Progression
- The Gender Pay Gap – Women are often paid less than men for doing the same work or work of equal value.
- Lack of Career Progression – Women are less likely to be promoted to senior roles due to workplace biases.
- Unpaid Labour – Women take on a disproportionate share of unpaid care work, limiting their career opportunities.
- Discriminatory Hiring Practices – Some employers hesitate to hire or promote women due to outdated perceptions around maternity leave and caregiving responsibilities.
This disparity not only affects women’s financial independence but also contributes to long-term economic inequality, impacting pensions, housing security, and overall well-being.
How Activism Drives Change in Equal Pay
- Challenging Workplace Policies – Advocating for salary transparency and equal pay audits.
- Union and Organisational Action – Fighting for fair wages and representation in leadership roles.
- Public Awareness Campaigns – Highlighting pay gaps through movements like #EqualPayDay.
- Encouraging Policy Change – Pushing for stronger enforcement of equal pay laws.
By advocating for equal pay, we work towards a fairer society where all women, regardless of background, can access the same opportunities and financial security as their male counterparts.
Craftivism: Creativity as a Tool for Change
Craftivism, a blend of activism and crafting, offers an accessible way to engage in advocacy. For me, it aligns well with occupational therapy principles as it enables participation, self-expression, and empowerment through meaningful occupation. Occupational therapy recognises that engagement in purposeful activities enhances well-being, promotes social justice, and fosters community inclusion (Wilcock & Hocking, 2015).
Through craftivism, individuals can create tangible representations of their advocacy, whether through textiles, embroidery, or hand-made zines. This approach not only raises awareness but also provides an accessible form of activism for those who may find traditional forms of protest inaccessible due to disability, anxiety, or other barriers. Engaging in craftivism allows individuals to contribute to change in ways that suit their capabilities, reinforcing occupational therapy’s emphasis on meaningful participation and engagement in daily life (Hammell, 2020).
Examples of craftivism in feminist activism:
- Embroidered banners raising awareness of gender-based violence.
- Handmade protest signs advocating for equal pay.
- Zines sharing personal narratives of women’s lived experiences.
Craftivism aligns with IWD’s theme, encouraging advocacy inclusively and sustainably.
Zines: A Platform for Women’s Voices
Zines, self-published booklets or pamphlets, have long been a tool for feminist movements, providing a space to amplify marginalised voices. Women’s zines have historically challenged mainstream narratives, educating and empowering communities.
Zines offer:
- A DIY approach to storytelling and activism.
- A low-barrier platform for sharing personal and political experiences.
- A way to document struggles and victories in gender equity movements.
By integrating craftivism and zine-making, we create accessible ways for more women to engage in activism as an occupation.
Here is a zine I have made as an example – (Scroll to see all pages)
Call to Action: Get Involved This International Women’s Day
This International Women’s Day, take action by:
- Engaging in conversations about gender equity.
- Creating or sharing a zine on women’s activism.
- Supporting a local women’s organisation or initiative.
- Using craftivism to spread awareness.
- Attending an IWD event in your community.
Learn more about IWD’s theme and how you can contribute at International Women’s Day.
Conclusion: Owning Our Activism
Activism is not just something we do; it’s part of who we are. It’s embedded in the way we work, the way we interact, and the way we challenge the status quo. Recognising activism as an occupation helps us see its value, its demands, and the need for structural support to sustain it.
For those of us who live and breathe activism, it isn’t a choice—it’s a necessity. As occupational therapists, we have a unique role to play in ensuring that activism remains accessible, meaningful, and powerful.
Because, after all, occupation is about doing. And doing is how we change the world.
References
- Greer, B. (2014) Craftivism: The Art of Craft and Activism. Vancouver: Arsenal Pulp Press.
- Hammell, K. W. (2020) Engagement in Living: Critical Perspectives on Occupation, Rights, and Well-Being. Toronto: CAOT Publications.
- Office for National Statistics (2021) Gender pay gap in the UK. Available at: https://www.ons.gov.uk
- Wilcock, A. A. and Hocking, C. (2015) An Occupational Perspective of Health. 3rd edn. Thorofare, NJ: Slack Incorporated.
- World Economic Forum (2024) Global Gender Gap Report. Available at: https://www.weforum.org