Championing Women's Rights

After the 1917 Communist revolution in Russia, Women gained suffrage. This spread quickly in the countries we would consider as Eastern and Central Europe.

International Women's day, the 8th of March, was a significant day and celebrated the achievements of all women.

Many women's organisations arose, including the Czech Women's Union (CSZ), Slovak Women's Union (SZZ), The Democratic Women's League of Germany (DFD).

They held conferences, issued awards and membership pins and were instrumental in equal rights movements worldwide.

International Women's Day and Women's Unions

International Women's Day

(Mezinárodní den žen - MDŽ) or International Women's Day, has a long tradition in Eastern Europe, dating back to the turn of the 20th century. For an accurate history of its origins you'd do well to read the United Nations History of Women’s Day.

After the communist takeover of Czechoslovakia in 1948, the Soviet Union introduced a new feminist organisation called the Český svaz žen (ČSŽ). The CSZ closely matched feminist organisations that had existed in pre-socialist times, but this was one that they had created and hence had full control over. 

Cesky Svaz Zen

Originally formed by mandate of the Czech National Socialist Party the ČSŽ produced a monthly magazine, called Vlasta, available at news stands up until the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The organisation exists to this day as an NGO that organizes seminars, workshops and conferences.