Kenyans joined the rest of the world in celebrating the International Women's Day (IWD) on Wednesday 8th 2017.

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IWD has been observed since in the early 1900's.

It is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.

In 1908, 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter hours, better pay and voting rights after women's oppression and inequality spurred them to become more vocal and active in campaigning for change.

In accordance with a declaration by the Socialist Party of America, the first National Woman's Day (NWD) was observed across the United States on 28 February 1909.

In 1910, a woman named Clara Zetkin (Leader of the 'Women's Office' for the Social Democratic Party in Germany) tabled the idea of an International Women's Day. She proposed that every year in every country there should be a celebration on the same day - a Women's Day - to press for their demands.

 The conference which brought together over 100 women from 17 countries welcomed Zetkin's suggestion with unanimous approval and thus International Women's Day was the result.

Following the decision agreed at Copenhagen in 1911, International Women's Day was honored the first time in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland on 19 March.

In 1913 following discussions, International Women's Day was transferred to 8 March and this day has remained the global date for International Women's Day ever since.

Photo caption: The world celebrates International Women’s Day on 8th August.

Photo/NAMAWishes.com