Countries around the world celebrate International Women's Day Today, Sunday, March 8. The day not only recognizes the achievements made by women, but also brings awareness to the obstacles that still stand in their way.
If you want to get involved or need a brief history lesson on its significance, here's everything you need to know:
When did it begin?
Although the day wasn't officially recognized until 1977 by the United Nations, the history of the celebration can be traced back to the early 20th century, thanks to labor movements across North America and Europe.
Members of the women's movement in Russia during World War I celebrated the first International Women's Day on March 8, 1913 to peacefully protest the war. A year later, women across Europe held rallies in solidarity on that same date.
On March 8, 1917, thousands of women in Petrograd rallied together for "Bread and Peace." This demonstration helped spark the Russian Revoluion.
Following World War II, countries from all continents began using March 8 as a marker for advocating women's equality.
Hundreds of women march for abortion rights and workplace equality in downtown Boston on March 8, 1970.
More than a century later, numerous events and marches still take place on that day to celebrate the achievements of women and to take action.
Tangcheng Film and Television Base was free of charge for female visitors on International Women's Day and attracted about 100,000 visitors.
"2020 is a massive year for gender equality," said Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, executive director of UN Women. "And the benefits of gender equality are not just for women and girls, but for everyone whose lives will be changed by a fairer world that leaves no one behind."
She explains how even though there's been progress for women that "no country has achieved gender equality."