Celebrating International Women's Day Around the World

March 8th marks International Women’s Day - a global holiday that celebrates accomplishments of women in every corner of the world. It is a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage by women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities.  

Officially recognized by the United Nations in 1977, International Women's Day has assumed a new global dimension for women in developed and developing countries alike. This year, United Nations observance of International Women’s Day focuses on “Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world on the way to the Generation Equality Forum”.  

More than twenty countries around the world have developed different traditions honoring women in their societies. While there are many ways to embrace the day, some common ways include supporting woman-owned businesses, sending International Women’s Day flowers and Happy Women’s Day cards, or giving a small gift to the special women in one’s life (including mothers, grandmothers, wives, girlfriends, colleagues, etc.)  

How Do Different Countries Celebrate International Women’s Day?  

Russia and Eastern Europe: 

International Women’s Day is a very important and special day in Russia – it is a nationally recognized public holiday meaning many people have the day off. Interestingly, it was Russia who originally set March 8th as the date for the holiday in 1917. Today, along with the standard of giving gifts to important female figures, children will also bring flowers for their female teachers. On this day, school children make arts and crafts projects to bring home to their mothers or grandmothers. These traditions are not only limited to Russia, but also commonly celebrated in other parts of Eastern Europe. In some countries, such as Croatia, Romania, and Bulgaria, the day is widely observed despite not being an official public holiday. Bulgaria and Romania observe the day as an equivalent of Mother’s Day where mothers and grandmothers traditionally receive cards, flowers, and gifts from their children and grandchildren. 

China: 

On March 8th, China celebrates the holiday with gift-giving and granting women half of the day off of work.  The country holds meetings, festive events and awarding ceremonies, and the day can be regarded as mix of elements of Mother's Day with some aspects of Valentine's Day. Some Chinese universities further honor the day by organizing a festival called “Girl’s Day”. During this festival, young female students participate in make-up or dancing competitions and make hand-made crafts. Many universities also arrange wishing boards where female students can attach cards with their most desired wishes. 

Italy: 

La Festa della Donna, or International Women’s Day, is primarily celebrated by gifting sweets and bright yellow mimosa flowers to honor the women in one’s life. On March 8th, these flowers are sold all around the streets of Italy and symbolize female strength and sensibility. The yellow mimosas can also be found designed on special sponge cakes that are sold on this day to resemble the small blooms of the flower.  

Poland:

The most common gift Polish women receive on International Women’s Day is tulips. These flowers are sold on the streets in major cities all over Poland. Many concerts or performances are also organized on this date by television or radio stations. Some shopping centers would traditionally arrange make-up shows or stylists booths where experts would provide beauty and health tips to women who wish to pamper themselves for the day.  

Columbus, Ohio:

Last year, US Together joined forces with local nonprofits, faith leaders, and elected officials to host a press conference in celebration of International Women’s Day—but also with the specific focus on ending violence against women. While there is so much to celebrate on International Women’s Day, gender-based violence—including stalking, domestic violence, female genital mutilation, and human trafficking—is persistent around the world, and right here at home. However, by taking the time and creating the space to confront these issues head-on as a community, we can end violence against women. Below, watch the press conference from last year.

Thank you to International Program Intern Emma Hall for working on this article.