Every March 8th, social media feeds explode with purple aesthetic posts and "Happy Womens Day" discounts. But beyond the marketing fluff, International Womens Day (IWD) carries a gritty, rebellious history thats less about being "delicate" and more about being determined. The Radical Roots: Where it Began If you think IWD started as a Hallmark holiday, think again. Its origins are rooted in early 20th-century labour movements. 1908: 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter hours, better pay, and the right to vote. 1910: A woman named Clara Zetkin (a leader of the Women's Office for the Social Democratic Party in Germany) proposed the idea of a universal International Women's Day at a conference in Copenhagen. One-hundred women from 17 countries gave her a standing ovation. 1917: In Russia, women went on strike for "Bread and Peace" in response to the death of over 2 million soldiers in WWI. This strike was so powerful it led to the abdication of the Tsar and the granting of the right to vote to women in Russia. The date we celebrate nowMarch 8thwas actually the day that the "Bread and Peace" strike began on the Julian calendar, in 1917. So Why Do We Still Celebrate Today? While weve come a long way since the 1900s, IWD remains a "dual-purpose" day: A Global High-Five: Its a moment to celebrate the incredible achievements of women in everything from astrophysics and engineering to art and community leadership. A Call to Action: It serves as a reminder that the "finish line" isn't here yet. Whether its the gender pay gap, representation in leadership, or access to education, there is still work to be done. Fun Fact: Purple, green, and white are the official colors of IWD, signifying justice and dignity; hope and purity, respectively. Womens Day in India While the world gears up for March 8th, India starts the celebration early on February 13th, with National Womens Day, to mark the birth anniversary of Sarojini Naidu, the "Nightingale of India," a poet, freedom fighter, the first Indian woman President of the Indian National Congress, and the first woman Governor in India. In a modern context, Indias National Womens Day is commemorated to: Bridge the Gap: While India has had a female Prime Minister and multiple female Presidents, the day focuses on bringing that same empowerment to grassroots levels and the corporate boardroom. Celebrate the "Firsts": From the "Rocket Women of India" at ISRO who led the Mars Mission, to the first female fighter pilots in the IAF, it highlights how Indian women are dismantling "male-only" bastions. Safety Social Change: It serves as a vital platform for movements like #BelieveSurvivors and advocating for stricter laws against gender-based violence, ensuring the conversation around safety stays at the forefront of national policy. And on March 8, India joins the global community in honouring the broader social, economic, and political achievements of women worldwide. A Note for 2026 This year, as we celebrate Sarojini Naidus 147th birth anniversary, the focus is shifting, from seeing women as beneficiaries of progress, to seeing them as the engine of it. How to Make This Year Matter Here are a few ways to truly honour the spirit of the day: Audit Your Feed: Follow three new women-led accounts in fields youre interested inbe it business, tech, finance, or social justice (PS: JusTrufs is women-led!!). Shop Small (and Female): Use your purchasing power to support a local woman-owned business (PPS ditto!). The "Hype" Factor: Send a message to a woman who has mentored or inspired you. Recognition is a powerful fuel. Ways to Celebrate with Jus'Trufs The Power Pairing: Gift a box of our chocolates to a mentor who has been the strong foundation and backbone of your career. A Moment of Pause: We often forget to celebrate ourselves. Take a "mindful bite"a moment of luxury to acknowledge your own achievements this year. Share the Story: Host a small gathering at our signature caf in Jakkur, North Bangalore, to discuss the legacy of women like Sarojini Naidu over a cup of our signature hot chocolate mix! [PS- were also happy to host events, or run a chocolate tour for your gang of girls! Reach out to us, for details]. Happy International Womens Day! To the glass-shatterers, the caregivers, the boundary-pushers, and everyone in between: today is a tribute to the collective power of women throughout history. Heres to knowing our worth and never settling for less.
