Source: Hannah Kvamsdal
Today we are celebrating Internatinal Women’s day! But what is the history behind this celebration? And how is it marked in Norway?
Women’s day was first marked in 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland, as a campaign for women’s rights to vote in elections. The specific date, 8th of march was set in Moscow in 1921, but it was not until 1975 that the United Nations proclaimed this day as the international women’s day.
The day has been marked in Norway since 1915, but became a proper celebration after being relaunched by Norwegian Women’s right activists in 1972. In Norway today this day is widely celebrated.
The main activity is the 8th of March Parade, held in almost every city. The parade will contain slogans and posters about political concerns and issues women still face in Norway today, as well as showing solidarity with women are not able to access basic human rights, such as freedom of mobility, freedom of speech and basic education.
Women and men greet other women with the phrase “gratulerer med dagen”. This is the same phrase we use when someone has their birthday, or how we greet on the national day, 17th of May. “Gratulerer med dagen” simply means something in the line of “congratulations on/for this day”
Eager to learn more about the Norwegian women’s rights movement? Here are some famous activists you should know about:
- Camilla Collett (1813–1895): Often referred to as the first Norwegian feminist, Collett was a writer and an early advocate for women’s rights, particularly the right to love and marry freely, as well as equal education opportunities for women.
- Gina Krog (1847–1916): A key figure in the women’s rights movement in Norway, Krog was instrumental in the fight for women’s suffrage. She founded the Norwegian Association for Women’s Rights (NKF) in 1884 and the National Association for Women’s Suffrage in 1898.
- Fredrikke Marie Qvam (1843–1938): She was another leading figure in the women’s suffrage movement in Norway. Qvam co-founded the Norwegian Women’s Public Health Association, which played a crucial role in improving public health and social conditions in Norway.
- Asta Nielsen (1881–1972): Although better known for her career as a Danish silent film actress, Nielsen was also a vocal advocate for women’s rights and emancipation during her time.
- Eva Kolstad (1918–1999): Kolstad was a leading figure in the post-World War II women’s movement in Norway. She served as the president of the Norwegian Association for Women’s Rights and was the first Gender Equality Ombud in Norway.
- Kim Friele (1935–2021) was a prominent Norwegian activist known for her tireless work for LGBTQ+ rights, particularly in advocating for the decriminalization of homosexuality and improving the legal and social status of LGBTQ+ individuals in Norway. She is often recognized as Norway's first person to publicly acknowledge her homosexuality, doing so in a time when it was still considered a criminal offense and a subject of significant societal stigma.
- Gro Harlem Brundtland (born 1939): The first female Prime Minister of Norway and a former Director-General of the World Health Organization, Brundtland has been a strong advocate for women’s rights, public health, and sustainable development.
These women, among others, have played significant roles in advancing women’s rights in Norway, contributing to the country’s reputation as a leader in gender equality.
Gratulerer med dagen!
Best,
Hannah, OLS Community Manager – Norwegian