International Women's Day 2024: Significance and Symbolism of the Color Purple

The choice of colors to represent International Women’s Day holds deep significance and reflects the multifaceted nature of the celebration.

Purple, one of the key colors associated with the occasion, carries a rich symbolism within the context of women's rights and feminist movements. Historically, purple has been linked to the struggle for gender equality and women's suffrage. It originated from the Women's Social and Political Union in the United Kingdom in the early 20th century, where suffragettes adopted the color to symbolize loyalty and dignity, as well as to evoke a sense of regality and purpose in their fight for equal rights.

Furthermore, purple is often interpreted as a color of empowerment and solidarity among women. It signifies strength, resilience, and unity in the face of adversity. By choosing purple as a symbol for International Women's Day, organizers and participants alike pay homage to the pioneering efforts of suffragettes and feminists throughout history while reaffirming their commitment to advancing women's rights and equality globally.

In essence, the color purple serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality and the collective strength of women's movements worldwide. It encapsulates the spirit of International Women's Day and inspires individuals to continue advocating for a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

What does the colour purple represent and why is it used in International Women's Day?

As stated on the International Women’s Day (IWD) website, the colors Purple, Green, and White hold significant meaning in the context of International Women’s Day. These colors originated from the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) in the United Kingdom in 1908. Purple symbolizes justice and dignity, Green represents hope, and White signifies purity.

The WSPU, a passionate faction of the British suffrage movement, was founded in Manchester in 1903 by Emmeline Pankhurst. Their primary goal was to secure voting rights for women in a country that had explicitly denied them since 1832. The WSPU played a crucial role in advocating for women’s suffrage and challenging societal norms.

Colour Purple Symbolises Feminist Movement : why?

The women's suffrage movement in the United States adopted a distinct color scheme of purple, white, and gold, imbuing each color with symbolic meaning. Purple, the color of royalty, reflected the unwavering loyalty and commitment of suffragists to their cause, signifying their unwavering dedication to securing voting rights for women. White, often used in wedding attire, symbolized the purity and righteousness of their fight for equality, highlighting the moral high ground they claimed in their pursuit of justice. Finally, gold, the color of success and achievement, embodied the light and life that guided their purpose, serving as a constant reminder of their unyielding hope for achieving their goals.

Interestingly, the prominent use of white held a deeper significance. It served as a deliberate response to the prevailing negative portrayals of suffragists as unfeminine and unattractive. By choosing white for marches and parades, adorned with sashes in the suffrage colors, these women actively countered the harmful stereotypes. This deliberate color choice served a dual purpose: it not only emphasized their femininity, but also underscored the moral purity associated with their cause, aligning perfectly with the values they championed. The colors of the women's suffrage movement thus went beyond mere aesthetics, becoming powerful symbols of their unwavering dedication, righteous pursuit, and unwavering hope for a brighter future.