The History of International Women's Day For more than 100 years, March 8 has been known as a special day for women. This year marks the 108th International Women's Day. It was first celebrated in 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. The United Nations made March 8
the official date in 1975. It is a national holiday in Russia, and sales of flowers double around March 8. In China, many women only work a half-day on March 8. There is also an International Men's Day celebrated on Nov. 19. International Men's Day is not recognized by the
United Nations.