Women’s Day is an international day that is celebrated on March 8. It all started with the struggle for women’s labor rights that took place in the first half of the 20th century. In 1908 there was a demonstration in New York. About 15,000 women, mostly textile factory workers, took to the streets of the city, demanding a shorter working day, fair wages and the right to vote. It was one of the first mass protests that attracted public attention and influenced the formation of feminist movements. The holiday was officially established in 1910 at the International Conference of Socialist Women in Copenhagen. It was then that the day became a symbol of equality, solidarity and the struggle for women’s rights. In subsequent years, the holiday was also adopted in other countries. Only the date of the celebration changes in each country, but the message remains the same.
How is Women’s Day celebrated around the world?
Every country is a custom, and the same applies to Women’s Day, despite the fact that it is an internationally important day, depending on the region it is accompanied by different customs and traditions. On this day ladies receive numerous wishes, bouquets consisting of the most beautiful flowers and various gifts. Ofte n these are tulips, roses and carnations. In Scandinavian countries, the aspect of the struggle for women’s rights is emphasized, and many debates and marches are organized. in the United States, the celebration lasts the entire month of March, which has been recognized as Women’s History Month, dedicated to commemorating outstanding female figures and what they have done for social development. In China, women work only half a day on this day, while in Mongolia it is a day off. In Portugal, it is customary to attend parties held on the night of March 8.
Women’s Day in Spain
In Spain, Women’s Day has particularly strong social and political overtones. It has always been a day of protests and demonstrations for women’s rights, and in recent years the feminist movement in the country has grown significantly. Spanish women take to the streets of cities to draw attention to issues such as wage inequality, domestic violence and gender stereotypes. In 2018, there was even a nationwide women’s strike that attracted millions of participants.
“Nosotras paramos” is the main slogan, which means moments of rest from daily chores and housework so as to show that this social role is also of great importance. In addition to the fight for equality and justice, Spain also focuses on gifts, to honor the beloved women on this day, there is the custom of giving flowers to women, in Spain they are mainly violets, which symbolize strength, delicacy and beauty. It is also an occasion to gather with close friends and family. In addition to floral bouquets, women often receive sweets, one of the traditional treats being Turrones, or Spanish nougat delicacies. If you want to celebrate Women´s day in Spain choose the country.
Symbols and traditions
One of the most common symbols associated with Women’s Day is the carnation – in many countries it is given to women as a sign of respect and appreciation. In Italy, meanwhile, a popular flower is the mimosa, which symbolizes the strength and delicacy of women. In Germany, red carnations are handed out and in Italy, silver acacias. International Women’s Day has its own flag, consisting of three colors – purple, green and white. Each color has a different meaning – purple represents justice and dignity, green refers to hope and white stands for purity. All of the colors were taken from the Women’s Social and Political Union, a British organization of suffragettes who fought for change for the good of women. The colors were adopted in 1908 and still play a role in our world today. Political Union. This was a British organization of suffragettes, bringing together supporters of radical change. The colors themselves were established in 1908 and have accompanied women ever since.
Women’s Day today
Women’s Day is a historic day, very important for the community especially in the struggles for gender equality. It is both an opportunity to celebrate women’s achievements and a moment to reflect on what more can be done to make the world more just and equal for all.
In addition to nice gestures and wishes offered, Women’s Day also has a second, deeper meaning – it is an opportunity to raise awareness of the inequalities that still exist and the need to continue fighting for women’s rights. To date, women have to struggle when seeking their careers, in the matter of earning a living and in education itself. Therefore, in addition to celebrating, this day also forces us to reflect on what can be done so that in the world, both women and men have equal opportunities.
