Lost in the Noise. Time to Go Back to Basics

What is Women's Day, really? Why on 8th March? Why not some other date?

Every year, we hear the same recycled debates—“Every day is Women's Day”, “Why do we need a special day?”, “It's just a marketing gimmick.” Somewhere between the endless arguments and the flood of discount coupons, the essence of Women's Day has been diluted beyond recognition.

But was this the goal of Women's Day? Was it meant to be a battlefield of debates and corporate campaigns, where the loudest voice or the biggest discount wins? If every organisation, brand, and individual posts the same Women’s Day greeting, does it really matter? Because, at the end of the day, the narrative remains the same—the reason why this day even exists is the same. It wasn’t created for competition. It wasn’t created for who can be the most ‘innovative’ with their marketing. It was created to remember.

Women’s Day is about recognising those who fought—those who paved the path so that today, we have the privilege to debate, to vote, to study, to work, to have choices. It is about honouring the sacrifices of those who didn’t get to see the world we live in today because they were too busy fighting for it.

Why Do We Celebrate Women’s Day?

The history of Women’s Day is deeply rooted in the struggle for rights—workers’ rights, voting rights, basic human rights. It was first observed in 1909 in the United States, inspired by protests against working conditions in factories. Over time, it gained momentum across different countries, driven by the suffragette movement and the fight for equality.

But why the 8th of March? Because on this day in 1917, women in Russia led a massive strike for “bread and peace” during World War I. Their movement was so powerful that it eventually led to women gaining the right to vote in Russia. This moment was pivotal, and in 1921, the date was officially recognised for International Women’s Day. Later, the United Nations also adopted it, reinforcing its global significance.

“Every Day is Women's Day” – A Convenient Escape

Ah, the classic—“Why just one day? Women should be celebrated every day!” And yet, ironically, the same people who say this don’t actually bother celebrating women on any day. This argument is the equivalent of saying, “Why have birthdays? You should celebrate life every day.” But do you?

Women’s Day is not about seeking validation for a single day. It exists because history demands we remember. Because without this day, the struggles, the fights, the lives lost in pursuit of equality, would fade into the background. It’s not about needing a ‘special day’—it’s about ensuring we don’t erase the blood, sweat, and resilience of those who made this day necessary in the first place.

Time to Remember, Not Just Perform.

Enough of the gimmicks, the ‘empowerment’ sales, the empty corporate gestures. Let’s strip it all back to the core. This is a day of gratitude, of remembrance. A day to acknowledge how far we’ve come and how much further we need to go. A day to pledge that the privileges we enjoy today are not taken for granted, but used to keep paving the way for future generations. No need for over-the-top creativity.

No need for a competition of who can come up with the most ‘unique’ way to say Happy Women’s Day. Let’s just go back to basics. Let’s remember, let’s honour, and let’s continue the fight—because while 8th March is symbolic, the work it represents is far from over.