Your Guide to International Women’s Day Gifts & Celebration
March 8th is just around the corner; many people are looking for Women's Day gifts and planning celebrations. Others aren't sure what the holiday is all about. Whether you're the former or the latter, it's helpful to share a little history about the celebration. International Women's Day is an official holiday celebrated around the world on March 8th. It commemorates women's enduring struggle for equal rights and their outstanding contributions to the world. The holiday recognizes their achievements in all spheres of life, from economic and political to cultural and artistic.
Women's struggle for equality is not the story of a single feminist or organization, but the efforts of all those concerned with human rights. International Women's Day means different things to different people. For some, it's a call to action to empower women around the world to stand up for themselves. For others, though, it's similar to Mother's Day: a time to honor mothers, wives, daughters, and colleagues with Women's Day gifts. There's no wrong way to celebrate, and no one will even notice: It's a day for all women. Everything from a hug to a gift basket is a welcome way to thank them for being amazing.
History of International Women's Day
International Women's Day celebrates the achievements and struggles of women throughout history. The holiday began during the labor movements in North America and across Europe in the early 20th century. In 1909, the first official Women's Day was celebrated in honor of the women's textile workers' strike in New York City. More than 15,000 workers marched through the city in 1908. They protested horrendous working conditions and demanded voting rights, better wages, and shorter workdays.
In 1910, Clara Zetkin, leader of the Social Democratic Party's "women's bureau" in Germany, initiated Women's Day celebrations. Later, in 1911, it was first celebrated in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland on March 19. Then, in 1913, the holiday was moved to March 8 and has been celebrated on that day ever since.
International Women's Day is now an official holiday in more than 100 countries around the world. It is celebrated in Belarus, China, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Russia, Tajikistan, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, and many more.
How to Celebrate International Women's Day
Learn about women's achievements around the world.
Women are often overlooked in history, but their accomplishments cannot be forgotten. Read about women throughout history who have made a difference. Stop by a library, bookstore, or go online; there is a wealth of literature available on the subject. Check out Simone de Beauvoir's classic and groundbreaking study of women, "The Second Sex" (1949).
There are also many informative films you can watch to educate yourself. Enjoy a movie night with friends and watch documentaries about great women and their contributions to world history.
Donate to a Good Cause
There are many wonderful organizations helping women around the world. Find a cause important to you, from domestic violence prevention to breast cancer research, and donate as much as you can. Whether it's money, clothing, food, or time, every little helps. Volunteering at a local women's shelter helps remind you of the hardships women continue to face. It will also keep you doing your part to help the cause.
Participate in a Marathon
Communities around the world organize marathons, walks, or even protests during International Women's Day to raise awareness or funds. See if there is a local walk in your area. Joining like-minded people can help show your support and raise awareness about women's struggles around the world.
Sending Women's Day Gifts
In addition to celebrating women's history on International Women's Day, it's important to recognize those close to you. Let your mom, girlfriend, wife, or colleague know you care and tell her why it's so important. It's as simple as thanking your mother for raising you or sending her Women's Day gifts that include her favorite flowers.
If the woman you want to celebrate is far away, you can use social media and share a loving post. Or send a thoughtful Women's Day gift and help her enjoy a day of self-care. A spa gift basket will immerse her in fragrant bathwater that might be heavenly enough to cleanse her of toxic gender stereotypes. Add chocolate and repeat as needed. A delicious gourmet basket large enough to share (or not) will entice with its sweet scent of equality.
International Women's Day Traditions Around the World
In countries like Albania, Belarus, Italy, and Russia, it is traditional to give women bouquets of yellow mimosas with chocolates on Women's Day. Other Eastern European countries have flower-giving traditions, but Russia takes Women's Day celebrations to a new level. This centuries-old holiday surpasses Valentine's Day in importance and is one of the most widely observed holidays of the year. On March 8, men of all ages will rush to organize extravagant celebrations for the women in their lives. They pamper them with flowers, Women's Day gifts, and attention.
In Armenia, March 8 marks the beginning of an unofficial "Women's Month." It's a month-long celebration of women that culminates with Motherhood and Beauty Day on April 7. In China, women have a half-day off for shopping, as many stores offer special holiday discounts. Women in Italy enjoy free admission to all museums that "celebrate the feminine world" by highlighting art made by and about women.
No matter how you choose to honor and empower women this International Women's Day, follow our simple tips and make a difference!
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