International Women’s Day in Europe: Activism, Politics and Tradition Across Three Countries

A comparative look at how Spain, Turkey and Poland commemorate March 8, highlighting the intersection of gender equality movements and national contexts

International Women’s Day, celebrated annually on March 8, is a global occasion dedicated to recognizing women’s achievements while also highlighting ongoing struggles for gender equality. The origins of the day are deeply rooted in early 20th century labor movements and women’s suffrage campaigns, when women across Europe and North America mobilized to demand better working conditions, fair wages, and political rights, including the right to vote. The first international observance took place in 1911, following a proposal made at the 1910 International Socialist Women’s Conference, marking the beginning of a coordinated transnational movement for women’s rights.

Over time, International Women’s Day evolved beyond its activist foundations into a worldwide platform for advocacy, policy debates, and social awareness. A major turning point came in 1975, when the United Nations officially recognized March 8 as International Women’s Day during the International Women’s Year, helping institutionalize the celebration and expand its global reach.

Obecnie dzień ten jest obchodzony w ponad 100 krajach poprzez demonstracje, wydarzenia kulturalne, inicjatywy polityczne i kampanie publiczne, odzwierciedlające zarówno wspólne globalne obawy, jak i zróżnicowane konteksty narodowe.

Voice of women in Spain

Od lat 70. XX wieku Hiszpania obchodzi Międzynarodowy Dzień Kobiet. To sposób na przypomnienie Hiszpanom o znaczeniu równych praw , przemocy wobec kobiet i szerzenie świadomości na temat różnych praw pracowniczych. Dlatego w całej Hiszpanii ludzie organizują protesty i marsze, które podkreślają wciąż istniejące problemy. Największe protesty odbędą się w dużych miastach: Madrycie, Barcelonie, Walencji i Sewilli, ale w mniejszych miejscowościach organizowane są różne wydarzenia z okazji Dnia Kobiet. Oczekuje się, że uniwersytety zorganizują prelekcje, dyskusje przy okrągłym stole lub wystawy na temat roli kobiet w sferze edukacyjnej. Większość miast będzie miała budynki udekorowane na fioletowo – symbol Międzynarodowego Dnia Kobiet. Ponadto niektóre rady miejskie organizują różne wydarzenia, takie jak imprezy sportowe lub pikniki, aby zachęcić mieszkańców do wspólnego spędzania czasu, mimo że nie jest to święto narodowe. Jest to jednak hiszpański sposób obchodzenia tego święta. Każdy kraj ma swoją własną kulturę, tradycje i historię, które sprawiają, że to święto jest wyjątkowe i inne.

Celebration of holiday in Poland

History behind celebrating women’s day in Poland starts after getting independency in 1918. Polish women got their political rights from the start of existing the country again. So, celebration of the holiday was more meant to improve their economic situation rather than getting political rights. But the holiday wasn’t very much celebrated back then until the end of the second world war when communist and USSR took power in Poland. Women’s Day was celebrated especially in workplaces and schools, where ceremonies were held. Women received small gifts such as tights, soap, and other products that were in short supply on the market, as well as flowers – including the famous carnations. After the official fall of communism in Poland, Women’s Day was abolished as an official national holiday in 1993. Despite this, March 8th remains an important date for commemorating women’s equality and rights in Poland especially after 2020 when abortion was banned for Polish women. Men in Poland are also involved in celebration of the holiday by giving women flowers, particularly roses and the carnations.

Women’s Rights History in Turkey

The history of women’s rights in Turkey is closely linked to the modernization reforms of the early Republic period under Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Following the establishment of the Republic in 1923, legal and social reforms aimed to transform society along secular and western oriented lines, with women’s freedom presented as a key symbol of modernization. Turkish women gained municipal voting rights in 1930 and full suffrage in 1934, earlier than many European countries, marking a significant milestone in political equality.

Turkey’s international positioning as a progressive state in women’s rights was further reinforced in 1935, when Istanbul hosted the Congress of the International Woman Suffrage Alliance. This event highlighted the country’s ambition to present itself as a modern nation where women participated actively in public and political life. Scholars often emphasize that these reforms were not only about gender equality but also about constructing a modern national identity aligned with Western democratic norms.However, while the early Republican period created an important legal foundation, gender equality in practice has remained uneven, shaped by social norms, regional differences, and political developments over time.

Modern Women’s Day Celebrations in Turkey

Today, International Women’s Day in Turkey has two main dimensions: celebration and activism. On one hand, March 8 is marked by corporate campaigns, institutional events, conferences, and social media organizations that recognize women’s achievements in education, business, and public life. Universities, municipalities, and civil society organizations often organize panels and cultural programs to discuss gender equality.

On the other hand, the day is also strongly associated with feminist activism and protest movements. Large demonstrations, particularly in Istanbul, bring attention to gender-based violence, femicide, and women’s rights policies. These protests sometimes face political tensions, restrictions, or police intervention, yet participation remains high. Activists frequently emphasize the need for stronger legal protections and the effective application of policies addressing violence against women. The withdrawal of Turkey from the Istanbul Convention has become a central topic in recent years, symbolizing broader debates about gender policies and state priorities.

Key Themes in Contemporary Turkey

Modern discussions around International Women’s Day in Turkey often reflect a contrast between the progressive legal reforms of the early Republic and ongoing contemporary challenges. While the state historically promoted women’s emancipation as part of national modernization, current debates frequently center on differing perspectives regarding gender roles, family structures, and social policy.

Another significant theme is the strength of civil society. Despite political tensions and occasional restrictions on demonstrations, feminist organizations and movements continue to mobilize public attention, particularly around femicide cases, which receive high media coverage and social media engagement. This high level of public awareness demonstrates that women’s rights remain a central and highly visible issue in Turkey’s social and political landscape.