History of Women’s Strikes

Women’s Strikes Through History This chronological overview presents key women’s strikes from around the world, spanning more than a century of activism. Each entry includes the date, location, cause, main demands, and outcomes, as well as links between movements that inspired one another. From the fight for suffrage and equal pay, through resistance to violence and oppression, to today’s global feminist mobilisations, these strikes demonstrate the power of collective action in shaping political and social change. Women’s March on Versailles 5 October 1789, France – Versailles/Paris During the French Revolution, driven by hunger and political deadlock, several thousand women from Paris marched on foot to Versailles. They demanded that King Louis XVI sign the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen and return to the capital. The women were armed and pulled cannons behind them. Once they reached Versailles, men joined their cause. Under pressure, the king gave in – he signed the Declaration and agreed to move to Paris. This protest became one of the first and most symbolic moments in the history of women’s political action, directly influencing the course of the revolution. Uprising of the Silesian Weavers 4 June 1844, Prussia – Owl Mountains (Bielawa, Pieszyce) Due to poverty, hunger, and exploitation, weavers in the Sudetes (including many women) rebelled against the factory owners. Women were not only active participants in the uprising but also became its symbolic figures through art and literature – Luise Aston wrote The Song of the Silesian Weaver, a moving poem about hardship and exploitation. The revolt was brutally suppressed by the army, but it played a major role in the rise of social revolutions and preceded the Revolutions of 1848. The weavers’ uprising inspired poets like Heine and artists such as Käthe Kollwitz, who created the powerful series The Weavers’ Revolt. It was the first protest in Europe to be so deeply shaped by women’s experiences. Matchgirls’ Strike – Bryant & May Factory Workers 2 July 1888, London, United Kingdom Women working at the Bryant & May match factory went on strike due to appalling working conditions, low wages, and the use of toxic white phosphorus. The immediate spark was an article by Annie Besant exposing the factory’s abuses. When the women refused to sign a false statement denying the accusations, dismissals followed – and then a massive strike. Around 1,400 women participated. The protest led to real changes: reduced financial penalties and a safer dining area separated from phosphorus exposure. It also triggered a broader campaign that ultimately led to the ban on white phosphorus in the match industry (1908). Suffragists’ Parade in Washington, D.C. 3 March 1913, USA – Washington, D.C. Thousands of women marched through Washington the day before President Woodrow Wilson’s inauguration, demanding the right to vote. The parade, organised by Alice Paul and Lucy Burns, was unprecedented in its scale and visibility. Although the march was attacked by opponents, it drew widespread media and public attention. The event had enormous symbolic significance – ultimately, in 1920, the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was passed, granting women the right to vote. Women Workers’ Strike in Petrograd – The Start of the February Revolution 8 March 1917 (23 February in the Julian calendar), Russia – Petrograd On International Women’s Day, women textile workers began a spontaneous strike that quickly turned into mass demonstrations. The protests were driven by hunger, bread shortages, exhaustion from war, and social inequality. Women called on men to join them, and they did – including factory workers and soldiers. After five days of unrest, Tsar Nicholas II was overthrown. It was women who ignited the February Revolution – unknowingly altering the course of Russian and global history. Women’s March in Pretoria 9 August 1956, Pretoria, South Africa 20,000 women marched in silent protest against the law requiring Black women to carry identification passes – a tool of apartheid. The march was organised by the Federation of South African Women and led by, among others, Lillian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Albertina Sisulu, and Sophia Williams-De Bruyn. Despite a ban on public gatherings, women moved in small groups to avoid arrest and gathered in front of the government building, singing Wathint’ Abafazi, Wathint’ Imbokodo – “You strike a woman, you strike a rock.” The Prime Minister refused to accept their petition, but the protest had a lasting impact on public consciousness. It revealed the strength and determination of women, regardless of race. The law was eventually repealed in 1986. The anniversary of the march is now celebrated in South Africa as National Women’s Day. This protest stood out as a peaceful act of resistance by women against a colonial and patriarchal system of oppression. It inspired further anti-apartheid and feminist actions across the continent. Women Strike for Peace (WSP) 1 November 1961, USA – 60 cities Around 50,000 women responded to the call for a one-day strike under the slogan “End the Arms Race – Not the Human Race.” The protest targeted nuclear testing and the threat of atomic war. Demonstrations took place in over 60 cities across the United States. Most of the participants were mothers who rejected the label of passivity and took to the streets with anti-war messages. The strike launched the long-term movement Women Strike for Peace, which had a real impact on political debate and public pressure to limit nuclear testing. WSP played a role in the adoption of the Partial Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (1963). This protest showed that women could be powerful political actors in global matters – not just in the so-called “women’s sphere.” It paved the way for further feminist involvement in peace movements of the 1970s. Women’s Strike for Equality 26 August 1970, USA – New York City and other cities On the 50th anniversary of American women gaining the right to vote, around 50,000 women marched through New York City, with another 100,000 participating in protests across 90 cities in 42 states. The strike was initiated by Betty Friedan and the National Organization for Women (NOW), despite early doubts about its success. Protesters demanded equal treatment in the workplace, reproductive rights, and the fair division of domestic labour. Though initially underestimated, the demonstration became a key moment in the second wave of feminism in the United States. The slogan “Don’t iron while the strike is hot” became a symbol of the women’s struggle for equality. It was inspired by earlier suffrage actions and marked a turning point for feminist movements in the 1970s. Hunger Strike in Łódź February 1971, Poland – Łódź In response to rising food prices and poor living conditions, women working in Łódź’s textile factories began a strike and hunger protest. The women were determined and well-organised – they negotiated with government representatives, demanding price rollbacks and better working conditions. The government of Edward Gierek gave in and reversed the price hikes. This was one of the first times the communist authorities in Poland backed down under social pressure. The strike echoed earlier weavers’ revolts and showed the power of organised working women in the fight for economic rights. Women’s Day Off in Iceland (Kvennafrídagurinn) 24 October 1975, Iceland – nationwide On this day, 90% of Icelandic women refused to go to work or perform domestic and care duties. The protest was a response to the gender pay gap and the invisibility of women’s labour. It paralysed the country – schools, offices, nurseries, shops, and even airlines were forced to close or cancel services. The event accelerated legal and social reforms. Five years later, Iceland elected the world’s first democratically chosen female president – Vigdís Finnbogadóttir. The strike became a direct inspiration for Poland’s Black Protests (2016) and the International Women’s Strike (2017). Women’s Strike in Switzerland – Frauenstreik 14 June 1991, Switzerland – nationwide In 1991, hundreds of thousands of Swiss women protested because, despite formal equality in the constitution, they were still underpaid and faced discrimination. The strike was repeated in 2019 – this time on an even larger scale. Women left workplaces, held demonstrations, and wore purple clothing and banners. The 1991 strike led to the adoption of the Gender Equality Act (1996), while the 2019 strike reignited national debates around pay equity, sexual violence, and women’s visibility. This is a unique example of a long-term, recurring strike – held every decade, building collective memory and political impact. In Switzerland, women’s strikes continue to be held annually on 14 June. Frauenstreiktag – Nationwide Women’s Strike in Germany 8 March 1994, Germany – nationwide Around one million women in Germany went on strike in protest against the rollback of emancipation gains following reunification. Women withdrew from both paid labour and household duties – they didn’t shop, didn’t smile at anyone, and left men in charge of the children. It was a symbolic act of resistance against the conservative turn in gender policy – particularly felt in the former East Germany. Although it didn’t lead to immediate legal changes, the protest sparked public debate on post-reunification inequalities and became an important moment of solidarity between women from East and West. It was inspired by the women’s strikes in Iceland (1975) and Switzerland (1991), contributing to a continuous tradition of European women’s strikes. Global Women’s Strike 8 March 2000 and 2001, over 170 countries The International Wages for Housework Campaign, founded by Selma James in 1972, launched the first Global Women’s Strike. Women in over 170 countries protested the invisibility and unpaid nature of care work. The slogan “Invest in caring, not killing” also criticised military spending. The Global Women’s Strike raised awareness of the value of reproductive labour and fostered international feminist coalitions. Inspired by earlier actions (Iceland 1975, USA 1970, Switzerland 1991), it laid the groundwork for future global mobilisations – including the International Women’s Strike of 2017. “Bring Back Our Girls” and Protests Since 2014, Nigeria – Abuja and globally After 276 schoolgirls were kidnapped by Boko Haram in Chibok, Nigerian women launched protests under the slogan “Bring Back Our Girls.” Daily marches, media campaigns, and pressure on the government aimed to force real action. Although not all the girls were found, the protests attracted international attention and led to the partial release of captives. Women emerged as a new political force in Nigeria. This was a different kind of strike – rooted in grief and demands for protection – showing the global reach of women’s resistance. Ni Una Menos (Argentina) 3 June 2015 and following years, Argentina – Buenos Aires and other cities The movement arose in response to a growing wave of femicides (gender-based killings of women). The slogan “Ni Una Menos” (“Not One Less”) became a global symbol in the fight against gender violence. Protests were held regularly, involving hundreds of thousands of people – women took to the streets, stopped working, and demanded systemic change and justice. The movement had tangible legal impact: penalties for violence against women were strengthened, and special commissions and institutions were created to combat it. It was inspired by the Polish Women’s Strike, and in turn became an inspiration for the International Women’s Strike in 2017. Black Protests / Women’s Strike (Poland) 3 October 2016, Poland – nationwide and abroad In response to a proposed total abortion ban, women across Poland took to the streets dressed in black. The strike began in cities like Warsaw, Poznań and Gdańsk, quickly spreading across the country. Women stayed home from work, organised marches and rallies. The scale of the protests paralysed many institutions and caught the government off guard. The draft law was ultimately rejected. The protest marked the beginning of a new era of street feminism in Poland and became a point of reference for movements in Latin America. Inspired by the Icelandic strike of 1975, it went on to inspire further protests in Argentina and Brazil. Black Wednesday – Protest Against Violence Towards Women 19 October 2016, Argentina – Buenos Aires and other cities Inspired by Poland’s Black Protest (3 October 2016), thousands of women in Argentina took to the streets after the brutal rape and murder of 16-year-old Lucía Pérez. Under the slogan Ni Una Menos (“Not One More”), the protest denounced patriarchal violence and the impunity of perpetrators. Protesters called for justice for missing and murdered women. As a result, the authorities announced concrete measures: a national femicide registry was established, and in 2020, abortion was legalised up to the 14th week of pregnancy. This protest inspired movements across Latin America and helped spark global mobilisations, including the International Women’s Strike. Women’s March (USA) 21 January 2017, USA – Washington, D.C. and over 600 cities worldwide One day after Donald Trump’s inauguration, over 5 million people participated in what became the largest march in U.S. history. Protesters demanded reproductive rights, gender equality, racial and climate justice. The march not only voiced opposition to misogyny but also ignited a wave of activism – including the idea for an International Women’s Strike on March 8. It was connected to movements like Ni Una Menos in Latin America and the Polish Black Protest, highlighting global feminist solidarity. International Women’s Strike 8 March 2017, worldwide (over 50 countries) Born out of protest waves in Poland and Latin America, the idea of a global women’s strike took shape. It became the first coordinated international action by women to protest against laws and systems threatening freedom, reproductive rights, safety, and equality. Strikes and demonstrations took place in Poland, the USA, South Korea, Mexico, Chile, Argentina, Italy, and many other countries. Women marched, skipped work, boycotted consumption, and disrupted oppressive institutions. The strike demonstrated the power of international solidarity. In Poland, thousands participated in rallies, blockades, walkouts, and the “Day Without Women” campaign. Initiated by women in Poland and Argentina, the strike united over 40 countries. It marked a new form of resistance – coordinated online, with a unified visual identity designed by Aleksandra Jasionowska. This movement strengthened global feminist solidarity and sparked a new wave of women’s organising worldwide. It was a culmination of influences: Iceland 1975 → Poland 2016 → Argentina 2016 → Global 2017. International Women’s Strike – 2018 Edition 8 March 2018, worldwide (continuation of the movement) The second edition confirmed the power of the movement. Actions took place in 170 countries, providing new momentum for feminist mobilisation in the following years. Despite a decline in formal coordination, women organised protests in dozens of countries. Key demands focused on gender-based violence, reproductive rights, labour rights, and climate justice. The movement fostered new transnational coalitions and regional alliances – for example, Ni Una Menos in South America, feminist strikes in Spain, Greece, Poland, and Germany. This edition continued the momentum from 2016–2017 and remains a symbol of women’s resistance to global systems of exploitation and violence. The strike format became a model for future mass mobilisations. Feminist Women’s Strike – Pakistan 8 March 2018–2024, Pakistan – Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi The Aurat Azadi March (“Women’s Freedom March”) is an annual demonstration where women demand equality, access to education, safety, and economic justice. The protests take place despite threats and violence, often from extremist religious groups. Slogans include “My body, my choice” and “We want justice.” Despite media backlash and harassment, the marches have strengthened feminist discourse in Pakistan and opened space for national debate. Source: Wikipedia – Aurat Azadi March Feministischer Streik 8 March 2019, Germany – 37 cities Under the slogans “Feministischer Streik” and “Care Revolution,” women in Germany demanded decent working conditions in the care sector, recognition of domestic work, and action against violence toward women and migrant women. The protests involved queer, leftist collectives, trade unions, and artists. In Berlin, there were marches, performances, and happenings, including the #IchStreike campaign – a decentralized strike initiative started by Anna Krenz – and #AufschreiGlobal / #GlobalScream, where women around the world screamed for one minute as a symbol of resistance. Although large-scale strikes are still rare, the movement is growing, especially among young activists and caregivers. In Berlin, measures were passed to support single mothers and care workers. This day saw feminist protests across the country, linking back to earlier actions in Iceland (1975), Germany (1994), Poland (2016), and Switzerland (2019). Hotel Housekeepers’ Strike – Hôtel Ibis Batignolles 2019–2021, France – Paris Housekeepers subcontracted to work at Ibis hotel (part of the Accor chain) in Paris launched a strike over appalling working conditions and the impact of outsourcing. They protested low wages, lack of insurance, harassment, and physical overload. The protest lasted over 22 months and was supported by trade unions. In the end, they won: higher wages, guaranteed working hours, and better employment conditions. This strike echoed earlier actions by Las Kellys in Spain and marked a new wave of feminist labor activism. Source A Day Without Women – Mexico 9 March 2020, Mexico The day after International Women’s Day, hundreds of thousands of women in Mexico stayed home from work, didn’t shop, didn’t drive. Their absence was meant to show how much society relies on women’s invisible labor. The protest was a response to the rising wave of femicides and brutal violence against women. It gained wide support from organizations, the media, and public figures. The action resonated across Latin America and inspired similar protests in other countries. Source Women’s Strike after the Constitutional Tribunal Ruling 22 October 2020 and following months, Poland & abroad After Poland’s Constitutional Tribunal ruled to ban abortion in cases of fatal fetal defects, thousands of people – mostly women – took to the streets in the largest protests since 1989. The Women’s Strike became a social movement with strong visual identity (the lightning bolt symbol) and the slogan “Wypierdalać” (“Get the fuck out”). Protests erupted not only in major cities but also in small towns and villages. In Berlin, Bloody Weeks (22.10–13.12.2020) were organized by Dziewuchy Berlin – a wave of protests and solidarity actions with Poland. A major political consequence: the resignation of the Polish ambassador to Germany. His wife chaired the Constitutional Tribunal and was directly responsible for the ruling. Although the ruling went into effect, the protests permanently changed the political debate and marked a moment of radicalization for a new generation of women. The movement was a continuation of the 2016 Black Protest and the 2017 International Women’s Strike – but even stronger, even more grassroots. Source Global Women’s Strike 2020 8 March 2020, worldwide Under the slogan “Our Lives Are Not Your Politics!” women in dozens of countries demanded climate justice, equality in care work, and an end to violence against women and girls. The protests took the form of marches, debates, and strikes in public sector jobs. A strong focus was placed on unpaid work and the demand for a just transition. The strike demonstrated the power of global feminist solidarity in the midst of a post-pandemic crisis and laid the groundwork for continued organizing in the following years. Sources, https://globalwomenstrike.net/ Global Feminist Strike 2021– 8 March 2021, worldwide On this day, women around the world took to the streets to fight for their rights. The strike was held under the slogan: “WE ARE REVOLUTION – CROSS-BORDER FEMINISTS AGAINST ALL FORMS OF VIOLENCE”. Excerpt from the Ni Una Menos manifesto: “From our diverse feminisms, intertwined and empowered by our cross-border connection, we call all women, lesbians, transvestites, trans, intersex, migrants, indigenous, Black and Afro-descendants, to the global feminist strike of 8M 2021.” Excerpt from the German Feminist Strike Manifesto – 8 March 2023: “With the feminist strike, toward a better life. A better society can only be won through our own struggle. Let’s come together to challenge capitalist isolation, war, and crisis – and show that we are many! We fight for more than better wages. We fight in solidarity with international movements for a better world – in Rojava, Tehran, and Argentina. Against patriarchal violence and for a society centered on mutual care, needs-based production, and real democracy. The world we want cannot exist under capitalism – and this system cannot be dismantled without women and queers/FLINTAs. We fight for a world where we can live self-determined, safe lives. A world where human oppression is a thing of the past.” Source Since then, global feminist strikes continue to be held each year on 8 March in many countries worldwide. Feministischer Streik 14 June 2023, Switzerland Under the name Feministischer Streik, more than 300,000 people took to the streets in Zurich, Geneva, and Basel – continuing the protests from 2019. The strike called out institutional violence, pay inequality, and the unpaid care work carried out by women, especially for the elderly. It received broad public support. Feministischer Streik 14 June 2025, Switzerland NO STEP BACK – Together for More Equality! “Equality is still far from being achieved: women earn an average of CHF 1,364 less than men, traditional women’s jobs continue to be underpaid, one in two women experiences sexual harassment at work – and right-wing forces are launching global attacks on equality policies. Instead of eliminating discrimination, we’re facing dangerous setbacks. Our demands: End wage discrimination; Raise low wages; Stop regression; Expand childcare; Combat sexual harassment.”