Women's History Month: Why It Matters Globally — and Why the Work Isn’t Done Yet

Every March, millions across the world mark Women’s History Month, a time to honor the achievements, resilience, and contributions of women in history and modern society. In the United States, this month-long observance traces its roots to activism in the late 1970s, when educators and women’s rights groups began pushing to broaden recognition of women’s historical contributions beyond isolated commemorations. What started as a “Women’s History Week” in Sonoma County, California in 1978 eventually grew into a nationwide event when the U.S. Congress officially designated March as Women’s History Month in 1987 after sustained advocacy by the National Women’s History Project (now the National Women’s History Alliance). Since then, U.S. presidents have issued annual proclamations recognizing the month and its themes, aimed at uplifting women’s voices and stories that are often overlooked in mainstream history.

The Origins of Women’s History Month

Women’s History Month did not begin in isolation. It grew in part from an even older and more globally recognized commemoration: International Women’s Day (IWD), held every March 8th. This day emerged from labor activism and women’s rights movements in the early 20th century. The first Woman’s Day was held in 1909 in New York City by the Socialist Party of America as a way to highlight women’s demands for better pay, working conditions and political rights. In 1910, at the International Socialist Women’s Conference, German activist Clara Zetkin and others proposed a global day to advocate for women’s equal rights. The first International Women’s Day was then celebrated in 1911 in several European countries. Over time, March 8 became the internationally recognized date, in part because women workers in Russia went on strike on that day in 1917 — an event that helped spark broader revolutionary change.

In 1975, the United Nations officially recognized International Women’s Day, further cementing its global status as both a celebration of women’s accomplishments and a call to action to address gender inequality worldwide. 

Global Traditions

In many countries, March 8 is a more lighthearted observance akin to Mother’s Day. For example, in Italy, men traditionally give women mimosas — bright yellow flowers symbolizing solidarity and strength — and cultural institutions often open free exhibitions highlighting women’s contributions.

In Russia and parts of Eastern Europe, International Women’s Day is an official public holiday. It’s often marked by giving flowers or small gifts to women, and for many people it holds a strong social and familial significance.

Countries like China recognize March 8th by offering women half-day holidays, and schools or workplaces may host events celebrating women’s roles in society. 

When Celebration Meets Urgent Reality

For many women around the world, International Women’s Day isn’t a celebration — it’s a platform for protest and a reminder of unfinished struggles. In Spain, huge general strikes have mobilized millions in recent years to demand gender equality, fairer working conditions, and better protections against violence and discrimination. Similarly, many countries host marches, rallies, and panel discussions that blend celebration with advocacy, such as conferences and educational forums in places like Australia and the United States, where events focus on representation, economic equity, and diversity.

“In many parts of the world, Women’s History Month is not a time to celebrate progress — it is a time to confront unfinished battles,” says Ángela Cortés, Director of International Engagement and Partnerships at We Make Noise (WMN), a global music and technology company working to foster gender equity in the industry. “In Latin America, feminist movements mobilize around urgent issues such as femicide, reproductive rights, labor precarity, and state accountability. The month becomes a platform to demand justice for victims of gender-based violence and to push for concrete policy reforms.”

In some regions, these commemorations intersect directly with historical struggles for justice and human rights. In Mexico, for example, Women’s History Month and related events such as International Women’s Day coincide with heightened activism against gender-based violence, a longtime pressing and dangerous reality for many women. On November 25th, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, hundreds of women marched through Mexico City to protest pervasive gender violence and demand justice, support, and systemic reform. The protest, part of a larger campaign of activism each year, highlighted how deeply entrenched gender-based violence remains and how public demonstrations continue to be essential tools for drawing attention to these injustices.

Indra Arrez, leader of WMN’s Mexico City chapter, says that “In Mexico, feminism is not seasonal — it is part of daily life. As long as child marriage exists, as long as girls are forced into motherhood, as long as women experience violence in all its forms, and as long as gender-based killings continue, the conversation cannot be purely celebratory.”

In countries with high rates of gender violence and legal systems that struggle to protect women effectively, commemorative days serve as both platforms for solidarity and calls for urgent policy change.

Through collaborative events, community and activism, We Make Noise strives to empower women and gender-expansive artists not only during Women’s History Month, but every day, globally, and for future generations of musicians.

Building a More Equitable Music Industry

At We Make Noise (WMN), Women’s History Month is not just a commemorative moment — it is part of a broader mission to create long-term structural change in the music industry.

Through global songwriting camps, professional development programs, mentorship, and international collaborations, WMN works to expand access and opportunities for women and gender-expansive creators in music and technology.

Because representation, equity, and access are not seasonal goals — they are long-term commitments.

Stay Connected with the Global WMN Community

If you care about gender equity in music, global creative collaboration, and the future of inclusive music industries, the conversation doesn’t end in March.

WMN shares insights, opportunities, events, and stories from its global network of artists, producers, and industry leaders throughout the year.

Subscribe to the We Make Noise newsletter to receive:

• Global opportunities for women in music

• Industry insights and research

• Invitations to international programs and events

Stories from artists and changemakers shaping the future of music

By Kendall Makuta