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How International Women's Day is celebrated around the world: 14 traditions from different countries

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How International Women's Day is celebrated around the world: 14 traditions from different countries

In 1975, the United Nations gave official status to March 8, and the modern International Women's Day as we know it today was born. Learn more interesting facts about how International Women's Day is celebrated around the world

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In many countries of the world, International Women's Day is celebrated annually on March 8. The holiday was started by women to highlight economic, political and social achievements, as well as draw attention to the issue of gender inequality. However, in many countries this day is also perceived as a holiday of spring, beauty and femininity. That is why the traditions of the celebration differ.

Depending on the country, International Women's Day is celebrated with solemn rallies or protests, as well as with gifts and bouquets of flowers.

How is International Women's Day celebrated around the world? We tell in our material.


Italy


In Italy, International Women's Day is called La Festa della Donna. Usually, women on this day are greeted with bright mimosa flowers, which in this country are considered a symbol of sensuality and strength. Sweet cakes or traditional biscuits with citrus liqueur and cream in the shape of flowers are also added to the gift.


Romania


International Women's Day in Romania is similar to Mother's Day. Mainly, men on this day express their thanks to their mothers, grandmothers and loved ones and friends who are mothers. Cards and flowers are given. In this way, Romanians express their love and respect for the women who take care of them. In addition, it is a day of gratitude to all women for what they do in various spheres of life.


USA


International Women's Day is not celebrated in the USA on March 8, but in this country the entire month of March is dedicated to the history of women's struggle for their rights. Usually, on March 8, many cities of the country hold rallies, conferences and business events dedicated to women and their achievements in history. Current women's problems are also discussed as part of the discussions.

Every year, the President of the United States issues a speech in honor of International Women's Day.



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Russia


International Women's Day has been a public holiday in Russia since 1918. However, less and less attention is paid to the political significance of this day. Currently, on this day in the country it is customary to show respect to women, say words of gratitude and give gifts.


Australia


Throughout Australia, on March 8, many events are held, for example, discussions and breakfasts where successful women discuss important issues. Such gatherings aim to promote greater participation of women as well as equity.


China


Women's Day in China has been celebrated on March 7 for a long time, and since 1949, International Women's Day has been celebrated on March 8. On this day, company managers are offered to let their employees go home early. Women are also bought gifts, in this way men show their love and respect.


United Kingdom


For three days, including on International Women's Day, the "Women of the World" (WOW) Festival takes place in London. It brings together speakers, activists and activists who work together to solve the problems of women around the world. Thanks to the example of the United Kingdom, from now on, similar festivals are held in other countries of the world. These events feature lively discussions, interesting talks and thought-provoking exhibitions. Each action has one goal - to bring together people from different backgrounds and cultures to work together.


Spain


In 2018, in honor of International Women's Day, a grandiose event took place in Spain - a 24-hour general strike in support of women's rights, which was joined by 5 million people. Nowadays, the movement is actively developing and goes far beyond just strikes. Spaniards are dedicated to their fight for women and are ready to fight relentlessly to prove that women have equal rights and opportunities in all areas of life.


Argentina


Since the beginning of the 20th century in Argentina, International Women's Day was usually celebrated by giving women gifts. However, nowadays, protest actions are taking place in the country on this day more and more often. People stand together against issues like violence, unequal pay, lack of fair representation in the arts, and other important issues.


Chile


Usually, on March 8, protest marches are held in major cities of Chile, and especially in the country's capital, Santiago. The participants of the action wear a green scarf to demonstrate their support for women's rights. The atmosphere at these events is quite lively, people chant slogans, beat drums, and some express their position even through unusual costumes.



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Israel


At the national level, International Women's Day is not celebrated in this country, so it is not a public holiday. However, every year the holiday is gaining more and more popularity among Israelis. It is interesting that here the date of celebration coincides with the Jewish holiday of Purim, and a woman named Esther played an important role in its history.


Germany


At home, in Germany, March 8 is celebrated differently. Until recently, it was an official holiday only in Berlin, but in 2023 International Women's Day was also recognized by the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.


Vietnam


In Vietnam, the celebration of March 8 is taken very seriously. All because 2 thousand years ago there was a holiday in the country in honor of the Ching sisters, who courageously defended their homeland. Today, these two holidays are closely intertwined.


Uganda


In Uganda, the celebration of International Women's Day is closely related to local legends. Residents believe that on March 8, one of the women hit the god with a wooden stick. Due to the anger of the god, there was a shortage of water in the country and the earth turned red. That's why in Uganda, on International Women's Day, women wear as much bright jewelry as possible and arrange dances to forget about their daily problems.


In general, March 8 is officially recognized as a national holiday in the following countries: Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Moldova, Russia, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. In addition, International Women's Day is celebrated in Angola, Guinea-Bissau, Zambia, Cambodia, Kenya, North Korea, Madagascar, Mongolia and Eritrea. In Laos, this day is generally a day off for women.


No matter how countries celebrate International Women's Day, the main thing to remember is that this holiday has an important meaning and a rather difficult goal.

The history of International Women's Day and its features are detailed in our material.






Daria Rogova, Head of Insurance at Visit World


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