For more than 100 years, countries around the world have celebrated International Women's Day on the eighth of March. The purpose of the day varies from place to place – in some places it's a day of protest, while in other countries it's an opportunity to celebrate women's achievements and promote gender equality. We've put together a few facts about International Women's Day so we can appreciate it even more!
International Women's Day dates back to an event that happened more than 100 years ago
On 28 February 1909, the Socialist Party of America organised the first National Woman's Day, held on the last Sunday in February. In 1910, Clara Zetkin – head of the women's office of the German Social Democratic Party – proposed a global celebration of International Women's Day so that the whole world could celebrate at the same time. And so, on 19 March 1911, the first International Women's Day took place. More than a million people took part in Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Denmark.
Celebrating International Women's Day won Russian women the right to vote
In 1917, women in Russia marked the day with a strike, protesting against the First World War and campaigning for gender equality. Tsar Nicholas II, the country's ruler at the time, was not impressed and ordered harsh sanctions against all the striking women. But the brave women did not give in – the tsar abdicated as a result, and the provisional government granted women in Russia the right to vote.
In 1975, the United Nations celebrated International Women's Day on 8 March for the first time
Since then, the United Nations has been the main sponsor of the movement and encourages many countries around the world to adopt the day. Its motto is "celebrating the courage and determination of ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities".
International Women's Day is an official holiday in many countries around the world
The day is celebrated in countless countries around the world – Afghanistan, Cuba, Vietnam, Uganda, Mongolia, Georgia, Laos, Cambodia, Armenia, Belarus, Montenegro, Russia and Ukraine are just some of the countries where women are celebrated every year on this day.
What are good gifts for International Women's Day?
In the spirit of International Women's Day, we can treat the women who inspire us to a little something and show that we truly care. Women's Day gifts don't need to be lavish, but a thoughtful gesture on such an important day is more than welcome. So you can give the woman in your life who inspires you a necklace with a soap heart or a pampering box. You can also swap the classic bouquet of flowers for a soap bouquet, which is beautiful and very practical. We suggest adding a card to the gift as well, to commemorate the celebration of all women in writing.
To celebrate this important day, you can also host a dinner with the women who inspire you in life. It's sure to be an event that touches every guest. You can also give the women in your life a book by a successful female author and write a dedication inside. And don't forget, you can make a gift yourself or give a small bunch of flowers.
Who are the women who inspire you most in life? Don't forget them – this International Women's Day, thank them for everything they've helped you with in life.
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