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Despite the significance of International Women’s Day around the world, the perception and symbolism of this day in different countries sometimes has slightly different connotations.
Therefore, I propose to talk today about the international experience of this day and what changes can be traced in the awareness of society in different countries.
Historical background
The origins of International Women’s Day can be traced back to the early 20th century, when women around the world began to organize and advocate for better working conditions, suffrage, and equal rights. In 1908, 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter hours, better pay, and voting rights. The following year, the first National Woman’s Day was observed in the United States on February 28th.
In 1910, Clara Zetkin, a German socialist and women’s rights activist, proposed the idea of an International Women’s Day at the International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen. The proposal was met with unanimous approval, and the first International Women’s Day was celebrated on March 19, 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. More than one million people attended rallies and demonstrations demanding women’s right to vote, work, and hold public office.
In 1975, the United Nations officially recognized International Women’s Day, and since then the day has become a worldwide observance, with governments, organizations, and individuals around the world using the day to celebrate women’s achievements, raise awareness about women’s issues, and advocate for gender equality and women’s rights.
Germany
The day serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about women’s issues and advocate for change in areas such as equal pay, workplace discrimination, and gender-based violence.
In recent years, Germany has made significant progress in advancing gender equality, with measures such as gender quotas in corporate boardrooms and the introduction of a new law to combat pay discrimination. However, challenges still remain, particularly with regard to women’s representation in politics and leadership positions. International Women’s Day in Germany serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality and the need for continued action and advocacy.
Nina: The last few years I realized that I struggle with so many inequalities just because I am a woman, even on a daily basis. The 8th of March is important for me to raise awareness about it. I think every day of the year should be like that, maybe then one day we don’t have to fight for our rights anymore!
Ukraine
In Ukraine, International Women’s Day as well as a public holiday. The day is a celebration of women’s achievements and a reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality and women’s rights. The holiday is marked by various events and traditions, including giving flowers and gifts to women, hosting women’s concerts and exhibitions, and organizing marches and protests to raise awareness about women’s issues. During this day men and children express their attention to their mothers, daughters, sisters and colleagues.
But in fact, this holiday has been quite primitive for many years before, and for many people, especially the older generation, it has become just a symbol of female beauty. But now society is gradually beginning to move away from this shallow concept, and a new generation of feminists is promoting the idea that this is a day to speak out, to go to parades, and not to wait for a gift from the male population.
Anna: Since childhood, society has taught me that this is a holiday when men and children take care of their women, but now for me it is a day when women unite to emphasize their strength once again, and I am proud of it.
Turkey
The situation is similar in Turkey. In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of gender equality in Turkey, and at the same time, old traditions and cultural practices associated with this holiday are being preserved. For example, some people in Turkey give women flowers or confectionery to celebrate this day.
However, it should be noted that not all women in Turkey celebrate this holiday with joy. Some women believe that the celebration of March 8 is just a formality that does not reflect the real attitude towards women in society and does not lead to real changes in their status.
Merve: This day reminds me of the power of women, which has the ability to unite. About the importance of sisterhood in every society.
USA
Many people in the United States celebrate March 8, as a day to draw attention to gender equality and the fight against discrimination against women. In some places, demonstrations and marches are held to show support for women’s equality.
At the same time, for many people it can be a day when children give their mothers pictures and husbands buy their wives gifts.
Thus, attitudes toward International Women’s Day are quite diverse around the world and depend on a number of historical, political, and social conditions. However, first and foremost, this holiday is an important day to raise awareness of the issues related to women’s equality in society.
Anastasia: Since I’ve been living in the U.S., this holiday has become a symbol of spring awakening for me. Because I’m really proud of the functioning of women’s rights here and feel absolutely protected at all times.
Anna Neshcheret
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