International Women’s Day: A Brief Historical Perspective  

International Women’s Day (IWD) is more than just a celebration—it’s a reminder of the progress we’ve made and the work still ahead. Its roots go back to the early 1900s, inspired by the suffragists and labor movements fighting for women’s rights. The first official IWD events took place in 1911 across Australia, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland, with women marching, striking, and even risking arrest to demand equality.  

Over the last century, the conversation has evolved. We’ve moved from fighting for voting rights to advocating for equal pay, representation in leadership, and parental leave. Yet, challenges remain. Women across the world still face barriers to education, economic independence, and legal rights. Even today, the gender pay gap sits at 20% worldwide, and women hold less than a quarter of global leadership positions.  

I often think about my mother’s experience. She grew up believing she had just a handful of career options—teacher, secretary, nurse, or physiotherapist. In contrast, I felt I could do anything, and my daughter, at 15, has the same belief. That shift is progress, but it didn’t happen by accident—it’s the result of generations of women pushing boundaries.  

At StarCompliance, we’re fortunate to work in an environment where women have an equal seat at the table, led by a female CEO and strong women in leadership. But globally, there is still much to do. As we celebrate IWD, let’s push beyond recognition and toward action—ensuring real progress for all women, everywhere.