When Is International Women’s Day – All You Need to Know about March 8

International Women’s Day is an important holiday and has a special meaning and a long history. When is International Women’s Day? What is International Women’s Day? Why do we celebrate it on March 8th? We shall give you the answers of these questions and a brief history, the origin and the meaning of March 8th.

When is International Women’s Day?

International Women’s Day is on March 8th. It is a symbol of women’s rights fight and the recognition of social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.

What is International Women’s Day?

Many people think that Women’s Day is some sort of Mother’s day, as it is a tradition to gift women with flowers as a gesture of appreciation. However, March 8th has a deeper meaning and while giving flowers to your mom, girlfriend, sister or co-workers is a beautiful and kind gesture, showing your appreciation, there is a lot to learn and understand about this day.

Why Do We Celebrate International Women’s Day?

The answer to the question why we celebrate Women’s Day on March 8th lies in the origin and history of this holiday. In fact it did not start as a holiday at all! International Women’s Day originated more than a hundred years ago, in 1909, with the march of 15 000 women through the streets of New York. The working women demanded shorter working hours, better pay and the right to vote. A year later, the Socialist Party of America declared the first National Woman’s Day.

In 1910 at an International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen Clara Zetkin suggested that this day becomes international. The conference was attended by 100 women from 17 countries and they agreed on her suggestion for a special Women’s Day to be organized annually. At that time, there was no fixed date. The first celebration was on March 19. 1911 in several European countries – Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland.

Why March 8th Is the Date of International Women’s Day?

March 8th became International Women’s Day after a war-time strike in 1917 in Russia when women marched and demanded “bread and peace”. The strike began on March 8, 1917 (February 23 in the former Julian calendar used in Russia), and in 1975 the United Nations officially recognized it as International Women’s Day. Later on, the United Nations started adopting a different theme for each year. The first theme in 1996 that was adopted by the UN is “Celebrating the past, Planning for the Future”.

Nowadays, March 8th is a day that marks women’s achievements, contribution to society and the how far they have come in economics, politics, science, culture, sports and any other field. The day emphasizes on movements for women’s rights, campaigns against violence and abuse against women, gender equality, reproductive rights, etc.

Why Do Women Get Flowers on March 8th?

It is noteworthy that giving flowers to women on March 8th did not begin immediately after it was announced as an official holiday. It is believed that the tradition of giving flowers began in Italy. In 1946 the feminists in Italy chose the mimosa flower as a symbol of strength, sensibility and sensitivity for Women’s Day and this flower remains a traditional gift ever since.

Over the years, the tradition of flower giving on March 8th expanded and nowadays man and women give different sorts of flowers and flower arrangements to show their appreciation to the women in their lives.

How to Celebrate March 8th?

Besides the tradition of giving flowers, there are many different ways to honor this day. You can take part in a conference or discussions about women’s rights and equality, abuse and violence, you can donate to women’s refuges, etc. Of course, you can take part in official initiatives and campaigns organized by local or international organizations.