International Women's Day

General Information about Women's Day

International Women's Day is celebrated every year on March 8. In Europe, it was first celebrated in March 1911 in Denmark, Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Switzerland as a day to fight for women's suffrage, higher wages, and shorter working hours. The demand for free, secret, and equal voting rights for women was fulfilled in Austria on November 12, 1918.

International Women's Day addresses the multiple discrimination and exploitation of women and girls worldwide. It is an annual occasion to highlight discrimination, but also to call for a life free from gender roles and self-determined living, as well as to make women's contributions visible and recognized.

Women's Day and WU

At WU, International Women's Day is used to focus on the state of gender equality. We also take a look back at the pioneers of women in business and draw connections to contemporary women and their achievements.

International Women's Day 2025

On the occasion of International Women's Day 2025, we will distribute bags featuring a quote from Zaha Hadid as a sign of appreciation and as an inspiration to reflect on gender stereotypes in the workplace.

„Would they call me a diva if I were a guy?“

Zaha Hadid (1950-2016) was a renowned architect who designed the WU Library & Learning Centre, among other things. In 2004, she was the first woman in the world to receive the most prestigious honour in architecture, the Pritzker Prize.