The Origins of Women's day, trace back to the early 1900s when women began advocating for better working conditions, voting rights and gender equality. Clara Zetkin proposed the idea of a global Women's Day in 1910, leading to the first official celebration in 1911 across Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. Over the decades, IWD evolved, with the United Nations formally reckoning in 1975 and adopting annual themes to drive global awareness and action. This movement for equality extends far beyond politics and labor rights, it has also deeply influenced the world of art and culture, where women have fought tirelessly to make their voices heard.
Throughout history, women have played a pivotal role in shaping creative expression, from visionary filmmakers to groundbreaking visual artists and literary icons. Their work has challenged norms, sparked movements and inspired generations. Yet, their contributions have often been overlooked, hidden behind male pseudonyms, or dismissed by traditional gatekeepers of creativity. Despite these challenges, women have continued to push boundaries, using their craft to tell untold stories, challenge injustices, and redefine artistic expression. Their resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to their vision have left an indelible mark on the creative world. Today, we celebrate these trailblazing artists, whose influence transcends borders, genres and generations, ensuring that their voices are heard and their legacies endure.
Women Behind the Camera - Pioneering Female Directors
Historically, women in film have faced numerous challenges in gaining recognition. However, some have broken barriers and achieved prestigious accolades that can inspire us to change this scenario.
Kathryn Bigelow
Became the first woman to win the Academy Award for Best Director in 2010! For the Hurt Locker, a gripping war drama that explores the psychological toll of war.
Chloé Zhao
Made history in 2021 as the first woman of color to win Best Director for Nomadland, a poignant film about modern day nomads in America.
Jane Campion
Secured the same award in 2022 for The Power of the Dog, a psychological Western that challenges masculinity and power dynamics.
Despite these milestones, female directors remain underrepresented in Hollywood, highlighting the need for continued advocacy.
Anonymous no More - Women Who Used Male Pseudonyms
For centuries, many women had to publish their works under male names to gain acceptance
The Brontë Sisters (Charlotte, Emily and Anne)
Originally wrote as Currer, Ellis and Acton Bell. Jane Eyre, Withering Heights and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall are now considered literary classics.
Judith Leyster
A Dutch painter, has many of her works attributed to male artists like Frans Hals before her true authorship was recognized. Her painting The Proposition is now celebrated for its portrayal of female autonomy.
Women Who Painted a New Future
Women artists continue to reshape the art world with bold and thought provoking works.
Wangechi Mutu
A Kenyan born artist, explores gender, race and colonialism through her multimedia pieces. Her work The End of Eating Everything is a striking animated short that critiques consumerism and exploitation.
Yayoi Kusama
A Japanese contemporary artist, is renowned for her immersive installations featuring polka dots and infinity mirrors. Her Infinity Mirror Rooms transport viewers into surreal landscapes of endless reflection, symbolizing themes of self obliteration and identity.
Celebrating Women's Achievements and Future Progress
Women's contributions to art and culture have shaped history and will continue to influence future generations. Celebrating and supporting their work ensures that their voices remain heard, their stories told, and their art recognized.
Let's honor the legacy of trailblazing women and continue to support those making an impact today.
Contemporary Female Artists Shaking the World
Contemporary Female Artists Shaking the World
Marina Abramovic - Performance artist exploring the limits of the body and mind.
Zanele Muholi - South African photographer capturing LGBTQ+ experiences.
Kara Walker - Visual artist known for her powerful silhouettes addressing race and gender.
Shirin Neshat - Iranian visual artist focusing on the intersection of Islam and feminism.
Jenny Holzer - Painter known for large scale abstract world inspired by history and politics.
Mickalene Thomas - Photographer who challenges gender roles through self portraits.
Laurie Anderson - Multimedia artist and musician merging technology with performance art.
Njideka Akunyili Crosby - Visual artist known for her intricate portraiture of Black subjects.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie - Writer whose novels redefine African feminism and identity.
Bisa Butler - Textile artist creating vibrant quilted portraits of Black figures.
Tanis Bruguera - Cuban performance artist exploring themes of power and resistance.
Barbara Kruger - Conceptual artist blending imagery and provocative text to critique consumerism.
Women's Day Celebration Ideas & Events
If you're in Amsterdam and want to experience March 8 in the best way, celebrating freedom and creativity, download outhere app! We've curated a fantastic list of events so you can fully enjoy Women's Day!
The Ongoing Struggle for Equality
While progress has been made, gender disparities persist in many creative industries:
- In Film: Women still direct fewer major productions and receive less recognition than their male counterparts;
- In Art: Only 11% of museum collections worldwide feature works by female artists;
- In Music: Female composers and producers are underrepresented, often receiving less credit and fewer opportunities;
- In the Workforce: Women earn 20% less than men for the same roles, and only 10% of fortune 500 CEOs are women.
Despite the pressure we, as women (all kinds), face every day, we remain resilient, being mothers, sisters, friends and partners through all moments. We are the ones who care, fight and strengthen society. Without us, life would have no color, no art!
That's why every day should be a celebration of women!
