International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated around the world on 8th March, as people unite to champion the advancement of women’s rights and gender equality. While the day itself carries the clear theme of female empowerment across the world, the way it’s acknowledged and celebrated differs from country to country. Read on to see how International Women’s Day celebrations vary across the globe.United States
In the US, the whole of March is Women’s History Month. This has been an ongoing celebration since February 1980 when President Jimmy Carter declared the week of 8 March as National Women’s History Week.
Italy
In Italy, International Women’s Day is called La Festa della Donna. It’s celebrated primarily by the giving of bright yellow Mimosa blossom flowers, which are viewed as a symbol of female strength and sensibility.
China
In China, many companies offer female employees a half-day on International Women’s Day so that they can spend the afternoon celebrating. Similar to Valentine’s Day, IWD in China is viewed as an opportunity to treat the women they love with special gifts.
Berlin
On 24th January 2019, Berlin’s parliament voted for International Women’s Day, known as Frauentag, to become a public holiday.
UK
In the UK, International Women’s Day is celebrated in a number of ways, with a special focus on raising awareness of social and political issues affecting women.
Spain
In 2018, more than five million female workers marked International Women’s Day with a landmark 24-hour strike to protest against the gender pay gap, domestic violence and sexual discrimination in the workplace. This year, similar protests as organised by the feminist organisations.
India
In India, this year, President Ram Nath Kovind presented Nari Shakti Puraskars for 2018 at a special ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. This year, 44 awardees were selected for these awards. Air India operated 12 international and 40 national flights with an all women crew to celebrate the day. However, the reality of the matter is that India is still way behind when it comes to gender equality across all sectors and classes.