Today, women all over the world celebrate International Women’s Day. This day is not only about celebrating women and all the amazing accomplishments they made, but also sheds light on the obstacles that they face daily. I fear that the history of this day, which is undoubtedly significant, is still unknown to many. So, here’s everything you need to know about this important day:

Even though it wasn’t officially recognized until 1977 by the United Nations, the celebration can be traced back to the early 20th century. 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. About a year later, women across Europe held rallies in solidarity on that same date.

After World War II, March 8 became the official date is a marker for advocating women’s rights.

This year, the United Nations is focusing on gender equality and human rights for all women and girls. The manta of the remembrance is: “I am Generation Equality: Realizing Women’s Rights.”

Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, executive director of UN Women, spoke on this year’s IWD, saying: “2020 is a massive year for gender equality. 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.” Mlambo-Ngcuka went on to say that even though much progress has been made in recent years, no country has achieved gender equality.