[Africa In Fact] International Women's Day (IWD) has been observed since the early 1900's when women's oppression and inequality was spurring them to become more vocal and active in campaigning for change. In 1908, 15,000 women marched through the streets of New York City demanding shorter working hours, better wages and voting rights. The first National Women's Day was observed across the United States of America on 28 February 1909 in accordance with a declaration by the Socialist Party of America.