How 5 different countries celebrate International Women's Day

On Monday 8th March 2021, it is International Women's Day and this year's theme is a strong one: #ChoosetoChallenge.

Choose to Challenge is seeking equality between genders and gives us the autonomy and power to seek this ourselves. Be that in challenging language you hear around you, stopping outright sexist behaviour, saying no to harmful stereotypes or where you spot places in your day to day life where you can be more considerate - it will all add up.

A challenged world is an alert world and from challenge comes change.

Hopefully to a world that empowers women (across the binary spectrum) to achieve equality.

We can all choose to challenge and call out gender bias and inequality. We can all choose to seek out and celebrate women's achievements. Collectively, we can all help create an inclusive world.

From challenge comes change, so let's all choose to challenge.Gloria Steinem, world-renowned feminist, journalist and activist once explained that:

"The story of women's struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organisation but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights."

This idea stimulates us to come together and practice equality - through intersectionality and a collaborative attitude.

The History of International Women's Day

In 1910, Clara Zetkin (Leader of the 'Women's Office' for the Social Democratic Party in Germany) proposed there be an International Women's Day celebrated at the same time in all participating countries. This was met with unanimous support and IWD was secured with the first official day recorded in March 1911.

In 1975 the United Nations officially adopted IWD with the date of 8th March becoming the chosen official date.

Against a backdrop of continued unrest and qualified protest from women around the world, IWD grew in popularity and is now an official holiday in more than 25 countries.

Over the past century, women's rights have increased and improved across the world: not only in the workplace but also domestically. However, there is still a long way to go before true equality is achieved in both practice and psychologically.

How to celebrate International Women's Day

Celebrations around the world vary wildly - some countries have an official holiday and some even have a gift giving culture. Here's how to say Happy (International) Women's Day in 5 different languages:

С Международным женским днем [S Mezhdunarodnym zhenskim dnem] – Russia

In Russia, IWD is taken seriously and it is common practice to give gifts including flowers and small tokens to the loved ones in your life. This often extends to colleagues and working relationship were businesses are close.

Alles Gute zum Tag der Frauen – Germany

Germany was home to Zetkin and Berlin now recognises IWD as a public holiday every year, the only German state to do so.

Kad?nlar günün kutlu olsun! – Turkey

Turkey has a gritty history with International Women's Day with protesters often taking to the street in their 1000s to campaign for improved women's rights. Aside from the protests, it allows thought and reflection and of course, a focus on the hard working women in Turkey.

妇女节快乐 [fù nÇš jié kuài lè] – China 

China may win the celebration race - women are given time off on that day, often schools allowing a full day off!

szcz??liwy DzieÅ„ Kobiet – Poland

Women's Day in Poland became a common celebration in 1993, but was recognised since inception. Nowadays, flowers and corsages made of tulips are given as gifts, replacing the historically gifts of coffee, tights and small clothing items.

How do you celebrate?

International Women's Day is a chance for reflection and insight. To appreciate and champion the progress being made towards the emancipation of women.

Although we see great improvement over the past 100+ years, there is still a huge way to go before true equality is achieved.