^Imagine a world where gender equality isn’t an annual topic of discussion but an ingrained reality.

Where women no longer have to fight for fair wages, leadership positions, or the basic right to live free from discrimination.

While that world still seems like a work in progress, International Women’s Day (IWD) serves as a powerful reminder of the journey toward gender equality—one that has been marked by struggle, resistance, and undeniable progress.

But how did this global celebration come to be? What does it truly represent? And what are some lesser-known facts that make this day so impactful?

Let’s break it down.

The Origins of International Women’s Day

The mass meeting at Rutgers Square during the shirt strike of 1909-1910. Collection: Photographs of the International Garment Workers Union.

It wasn’t social media campaigns or corporations rushing to put pink logos on their websites that gave birth to International Women’s Day.

The roots of IWD trace back over a century, to a time when women were fighting for fundamental rights like voting, fair wages, and safe working conditions.

The first sparks of IWD can be found in 1908, New York, when 15,000 women marched through the city demanding better pay, shorter hours, and voting rights. This powerful demonstration became a pivotal moment in the women’s rights movement.

A year later, in 1909, the Socialist Party of America declared the first National Women’s Day, celebrated across the United States on February 28.

But the movement didn’t stop there. In 1910, at the International Socialist Women’s Conference in Copenhagen, German activist Clara Zetkin proposed the idea of a global day to advocate for women's rights. She envisioned a day when women around the world could unite for the same cause, regardless of nationality.

Her idea gained unanimous approval, and in 1911, International Women’s Day was officially observed for the first time in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. Over one million people participated in rallies advocating for women’s rights, demanding gender equality in voting, work, and education.

By 1917, Russian women played a critical role in further popularizing the movement. On March 8, they organized a massive strike for "bread and peace," protesting against war and oppression. The movement gained momentum, and the Russian government granted women the right to vote shortly after.

March 8 soon became the universally recognized date for IWD, solidified when the United Nations officially adopted the celebration in 1975—marking the beginning of an era where governments and organizations worldwide took responsibility for advancing gender equality.

What Does International Women’s Day Stand for Today?

Fast forward to 2025, and IWD has transformed into more than just a day of reflection.

It’s a movement.

A call to action.

A global platform for advocating women’s rights, amplifying voices, and challenging the status quo.

Today, IWD serves several purposes, including:

• Recognizing women’s achievements in various fields, from science and business to activism and sports.
• Raising awareness about gender inequality, wage gaps, violence against women, and lack of representation in leadership.
• Encouraging organizations and governments to implement real, systemic changes that support gender parity.
• Inspiring individuals to take personal and collective action toward a more equal world.

Each year, IWD follows a unique theme to guide discussions and activism. 

The 2025 theme, "Accelerating Change," emphasizes the urgency of breaking barriers and creating opportunities for women globally.

Surprising Facts About International Women’s Day That You Probably Didn’t Know

Despite being celebrated worldwide, there are some truly fascinating facts about IWD that many people are unaware of. Here are some of the most interesting ones:

1. IWD Is a Public Holiday in More Than 25 Countries

In many countries, March 8 is a national holiday, meaning businesses, schools, and government offices close to honor the occasion. Nations like Russia, Ukraine, China, and Uganda recognize IWD as an official day off, while others celebrate it with large public events.

2. The Official Color of IWD Is Purple

If you’ve ever wondered why everything turns purple around March 8, it’s because purple has long been associated with justice and dignity.

Historically, it was one of the colors used by the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) in the UK, one of the leading groups in the suffrage movement.

3. The United Nations Has Been Involved Since 1975

Although the movement began in the early 1900s, the UN officially recognized IWD in 1975. Since then, they have played a critical role in setting annual themes and pushing global policies that promote gender equality.

4. Google Celebrates IWD with Special Doodles

Every year, Google releases an International Women’s Day Google Doodle, often highlighting the achievements of women in different industries. 

These illustrations showcase female pioneers in science, literature, art, activism, and more.

5. Some Countries Celebrate Women’s Day Like Mother’s Day

In places like Italy, Serbia, and Albania, IWD is celebrated similarly to Mother’s Day, where women receive flowers, chocolates, and gifts from family members.

6. There’s Still No Country with Complete Gender Equality

Despite the progress made over the past century, no country in the world has achieved full gender equality. According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report, at the current pace, it will take another 135.6 years to close the gender gap completely.

How You Can Celebrate and Support International Women’s Day

Celebrating IWD isn’t just about posting hashtags or sharing inspirational quotes—it’s about taking real action.

Here are some meaningful ways you can celebrate and contribute to the movement:

1. Support Women-Owned Businesses

Choose to shop from women-led brands, startups, and small businesses. Whether it’s fashion, wellness, or tech, supporting female entrepreneurs helps bridge the gender wealth gap.

2. Educate Yourself and Others

Understanding the history of IWD, gender inequality statistics, workplace diversity and women’s issues worldwide makes a huge difference. Read books, listen to podcasts, or attend discussions about gender equality.

3. Advocate for Workplace Equality

Whether you’re an employee or employer, advocate for policies that support equal pay, parental leave, and leadership opportunities for women.

4. Donate to Women’s Charities

Organizations like UN Women, Malala Fund, Girls Who Code, and Women for Women International work tirelessly to improve women’s rights globally. Contributing to these causes helps fund education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for women in need.

5. Amplify Women’s Voices

Use your platform—whether it’s social media, your workplace, or your community—to highlight and celebrate women’s contributions. Share their stories, credit their work, and uplift their voices.

6. Participate in IWD Events

Many communities, organizations, and universities host panel discussions, networking events, and workshops focused on gender equality. Attending these events or bringing them to your workplace is a great way to engage in meaningful conversations.

What’s Next for Women’s Rights?

While International Women’s Day is a significant milestone each year, it’s just one moment in the broader movement for gender equality.

We’re seeing progress in:

• Female representation in politics (although women still hold just 26.7% of parliamentary seats worldwide).
• Equal pay movements gaining momentum in various industries.
• Increased awareness around workplace harassment and the impact of the #MeToo movement.
• More women breaking into male-dominated fields like STEM, finance, and leadership.

But challenges remain. The gender pay gap persists, women’s reproductive rights are still under attack in some regions, and violence against women continues to be a major global issue.

The only way forward is collective action.

^Imagine this: It's a Monday morning, and as an HR professional, you're about to kick off your day with back-to-back meetings. You have a long list of tasks to complete, and the pressure is already building. Suddenly, your phone rings and an employee informs you that they're having a terrible day at work. Maybe their workload is overwhelming, or they're struggling with a colleague. Whatever the reason, they need your help.

As an HR professional, it's your job to not only help employees navigate tough situations but also to ensure that the workplace fosters employee well-being. In this article, we'll explore how to deal with a bad day at work from an HR perspective. 

So, buckle up, and get ready to learn how to turn those lemons into lemonade!

The Tell-Tale Signs

As an HR professional, one of your key roles is to support your employees. And, as much as we'd love it if every day were sunshine and rainbows, we know that bad days happen. But how can you tell when an employee is having a rough time? Here are a few signs to watch out for:

• Decreased productivity: If an employee who's usually on top of things is suddenly falling behind, it might be a sign that something's up.
• Mood changes: If an employee is usually friendly and approachable but is suddenly snappy or short with colleagues, it might be a sign that they're having a tough day.
• Physical symptoms: Headaches, fatigue, and stomach issues can all be signs of stress or anxiety.
• Withdrawal: If an employee who's usually social and engaged with their colleagues is suddenly keeping to themselves, it might be a sign that something's wrong.

Remember, these signs don't necessarily mean that an employee is having a terrible day, but they're worth paying attention to. If you notice any of these signs, take the time to check in with the employee and see how they're doing.

Exploring the Root Causes

So, you've identified that an employee is having a bad day at work. But what's causing it? As an HR professional, it's important to understand the root causes of employee dissatisfaction so that you can help address them. Here are a few common causes of bad days at work:

• Heavy workload: If an employee is feeling overwhelmed or like they're drowning in their work, it can lead to stress and burnout.
• Interpersonal conflicts: If an employee is having issues with a colleague or manager, it can make for a tense and uncomfortable work environment.
• Personal issues: If an employee is going through a tough time outside of work, it can spill over into their workday and make it difficult for them to focus.
• Lack of support: If an employee feels like they don't have the resources or support they need to do their job well, it can be demotivating and frustrating.

By understanding these root causes, you can work with employees to help address them. Whether it's through additional resources to help them deal with burnout, conflict resolution, or simply offering a listening ear, as an HR professional, you have the power to make a positive impact on employee well-being.

Steps to Deal with a Bad Day at Work

So, you've identified the signs of a bad day and understand the root causes. What's next? 

Here are a few steps employees can take to deal with a bad day at work.:

• Take a break: Sometimes, stepping away from your work and taking a few deep breaths can do wonders for your mental state.
• Talk it out: Whether it's with a colleague, a friend, or an HR representative, sometimes talking about what's bothering you can help you process your emotions.
• Focus on the positive: When things aren't going well, it can be easy to get bogged down in negativity. Instead, try to focus on the things that are going well and find reasons to be grateful.
• Practice self-care: Whether it's going for a walk, taking a bath, or treating yourself to your favorite snack, practicing self-care can help you feel more centered and grounded.

As an HR professional, you can support employees by providing resources and guidance on embracing resilience at work. Whether through an employee assistance program, mental health resources, or simply offering a sympathetic ear, you can help employees bounce back after a tough day.

Remember, resilience is a skill that can be developed over time. By encouraging employees to take care of themselves and offering support when they need it, you can help them build the resilience they need to thrive in the workplace.

Prevention is Key

While dealing with bad days is important, preventing them in the first place is even better. As an HR professional, you have the power to create a work environment that fosters employee well-being and reduces the likelihood of bad days. Here are a few ways to proactively prevent bad days at work:

• Build a positive work culture: By encouraging positive communication, recognition, and collaboration, you can create a work environment where employees feel valued and supported.
• Provide opportunities for growth: Employees who feel like they're constantly learning and growing are more likely to be engaged and motivated at work.
• Offer flexible work arrangements: Whether it's remote work or flexible hours, giving employees more control over their work schedule can reduce stress and improve work-life balance.
• Address issues promptly: When conflicts or issues arise, address them promptly and with empathy. Taking a proactive approach to conflict resolution can prevent issues from escalating and creating a negative work environment.

Taking a proactive approach to employee well-being can create a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and motivated. Not only does this lead to happier employees, but it can also lead to increased productivity and employee retention. 

As an HR professional, you have the power to create a workplace that not only prevents bad days but also fosters employee happiness and success.

Together, We Can Make Every Day a Good Day at Work

Dealing with bad days at work can be a challenging task, but by recognizing the signs, understanding the root causes, and taking practical steps to prevent them, you can create a positive work environment where employees feel valued and supported. 

At The Wellness Tribe, we understand the importance of employee well-being and offer a range of corporate wellness solutions to help organizations create a healthy work environment. Our programs are designed to address physical, mental, and emotional health, with a focus on prevention and early intervention. 

We believe that by prioritizing employee well-being, organizations can achieve better business outcomes, including increased productivity, engagement, and retention.