March 8 marked the 115-year anniversary of International Women’s Day, launched in 1911 to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. At that time, only eight countries allowed women to vote. Women faced low wages, workplace dangers and exploitation, and freedom to speak out was limited around the globe.

Fast forward 64 years, and, through sustained education and organizing, the United Nations declared 1975 as International Women’s Year, and adopted International Women’s Day officially on March 8th. While major progress in voting rights, workplace fairness and pay equity has been made, the 2026 United Nations theme of “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls” is a call to action for accelerating gender equity.

International Women’s Day colors are purple, representing justice and dignity, green, the symbol of hope, and white, worn by women who fought for the right to vote in the United States.

In Minnesota, the day has been observed by League of Women Voters Minnesota and cooperating groups by coming to the State Legislature in support of measures such as redistricting reforms and inclusion of an Equal Rights Amendment in the State Constitution. Here in New Ulm, the League of Women Voters last year called attention to the SAVE Act, which poses voter registration barriers for rural people, many married women and low-income voters.

This year, a more localized theme of “Give to Gain” emphasizes the importance of contributing time, talent and resources to advance four key focus areas – economic empowerment, including equitable compensation and benefits, entrepreneurial opportunities and workplace protections; political participation, such as running for office and serving on local boards and commissions; education and health care; and ending violence by strengthening legal protections.

International Women’s Day, along with the annual March observation of Women’s History Month, give us opportunities to observe the important contributions of women in our community and around the globe. The LWV New Ulm will do this at its Second Saturday meeting on March 14th at 9am at Christ the King Church. Check out opportunities to serve locally; wear purple, green and white; or simply take a moment to reflect.

— “Empowering Voters” is a program of the League of Women Voters – New Ulm, a trusted source of nonpartisan voter information, serving New Ulm and the Brown County area to ensure free, fair and safe elections. To learn more, visit newulm.lwv.org or follow our Facebook page.