Each year on March 8, International Women’s Day is observed to honor the historical struggle of women for equality, labor rights, political participation, and social justice. The date marks significant milestones in the movement for women’s rights.
In 1908, about 15,000 women marched in New York demanding shorter working hours, better wages, and the right to vote. Two years later at the International Socialist Women’s Conference in Copenhagen, German activist Clara Zetkin proposed establishing an international day dedicated to women’s rights. The first observance took place in several European countries including Germany, Austria, Denmark, and Switzerland on March 19, 1911.
The movement gained further momentum in Russia during 1917 when female workers protested for “bread and peace,” which contributed to the start of the February Revolution. In 1975, the United Nations officially commemorated International Women’s Day during its International Women’s Year. In 1977, the UN General Assembly invited member states to establish a day focused on women’s rights and international peace.
Since then, March 8 has become a global occasion to recognize progress made toward gender equality while reflecting on ongoing challenges.
In Costa Rica since 1998, March 8 also marks the Day of School Cafeteria Workers as established by Decree No. 27063-MEP. This recognizes those who contribute daily to educational communities through their service.
In recognition of her contributions to national sovereignty and being the first woman to join Costa Rica’s National Army during the Campaign of 1856-1857—helping consolidate peace and democracy—Francisca “Pancha” Carrasco Jiménez was declared Benemérita de la Patria (National Heroine) in 2025.
Minister of Public Education Leonardo Sánchez recently unveiled a plaque honoring Uladislao “Lalo” Gámez Solano—the first Minister of Education in Costa Rica’s Second Republic—at Colegio Técnico Profesional that bears his name.
This month also sees the return of a long-standing educational program on Canal 13 aimed at inspiring knowledge among young people—a show remembered by many Costa Ricans for its impact on education and culture.
Costa Rica has joined more than one hundred countries as part of the School Meals Coalition led by the United Nations World Food Programme. The coalition aims to ensure every child receives a healthy meal at school by 2030 (https://www.wfp.org/school-meals-coalition).
Additionally, each year Costa Rica remembers its conflict with Panama over Coto territory—a dispute resolved through agreements signed in 1900. The battle occurred between February 21 and March 5, 1921; while Costa Rican forces faced defeat near Coto after three attacks from Panamanian troops coming from David City, outcomes differed elsewhere such as Bocas del Toro.
The Ministry of Public Education invites educators to apply for the Mauro Fernández Acuña Award for Teaching Excellence.
