International Women's Day: traditions, fun facts, and everything in between

March 8th is a momentous date, commemorating an annual worldwide celebration: International Women's Day.

An annual event, International Women's Day was born from the desire to celebrate the women’s suffrage movements that took to the streets in the early 1900s to advocate for women's cultural, political, and social rights.

An increasingly vocal and extraordinary manifestation that, at various times, involved thousands of women in a number of countries around the world, resulting in the first Women's Day being established in the USA in 1909.

Let's explore some fun facts about this annual celebration.

Why March 8th?

The choice of March 8th for International Women's Day is linked to the events that took place in St. Petersburg in 1917 when women took to the streets demanding an end to the war.

Four years later, in 1921, the Second International Conference of Communist Women was held in Moscow, where it was decided to designate March 8th as International Working Women’s Day.

In 1977, the UN General Assembly recognized March 8th as the official date for the celebration of International Women's Day. This designation was immediately followed by most of the countries where the annual celebration had already been introduced.

When was International Women's Day established in Italy?

In Italy, International Women's Day was celebrated for the first time on March 12, 1922, on the initiative of the Italian Communist Party.

Does International Women's Day have a theme?

Yes, International Women's Day addresses a different concept every year. The theme chosen for 2025 is #AccelerateAction, with the aim of fostering an inclusive world, where gender differences, stereotypes, and discrimination are brought to an end. To learn more, visit the official International Women's Day website.

How is International Women's Day celebrated around the world?

Each country has its own specific traditions for celebrating International Women's Day.

In Russia, for example, it is considered a national holiday, to be celebrated with family or by visiting friends and is a day when women can enjoy a well-deserved rest, leaving their husbands to take care of the children and household chores.

In some African countries, the occasion is cause for a grand celebration, with music and dancing that liven up the day. In South America, on the other hand, there is a custom of cooking some very special dishes.

Are there any interesting Women's Day traditions in your area? Share them with our communities on Facebook and Instagram!