International Women’s Day, celebrated on 8th March annually, is the Day when coworkers, friends, and family celebrate women and their achievements by treating them with sweet treats, gifts, and the best Women’s Day bouquets.
But, hold up, not every country celebrates International Women’s Day the same. While some people think sending a generic ‘Happy Women’s Day’ message counts as a celebration, people in China, Russia, and different parts of Africa do not take March 8th lightly. This Day is all about a massive celebration and actual recognition that women are the crux of society.
So, without stretching the conversation, let’s look at an article that zooms in on the history and importance of Women’s Day in China, Russia, and Africa.
A Global Backstory on Women’s Day in a Nutshell
Before country-hopping, let’s discuss how International Women’s Day (IWD) actually happened. Women’s Day didn’t magically appear on the calendar; it was the outcome of the continuous struggle and protest by women determined to end discrimination and disrespect.
The story dates back to the early 1900s, when women’s working conditions were spectacularly terrible. They had 12-hour work shifts, bare-minimum wages, and zero voting rights. However, after reaching their breaking point with inequality, they marched through New York City on March 8, 1908, to demand change.
This demand went global, and a German Socialist, Clara Zetkin, proposed the idea of International Women’s Day, and from there, history was made. Russians also sealed the deal, and March 8th was solidified for celebrating Women’s Day.
In addition, the UN finally recognized this day in 1975, making it a global movement focused on women’s rights, celebrating achievements, and gender equality.
How Russians Commemorate Women’s Day – A Country Where Feminism Meets Lots of Flowers
Since you’re aware of the backstory, let’s hop toward Russia. March 8th is not just a regular Day for Russians; it is a national holiday where women are treated like royalty and men become rom-com protagonists, panic-buying flowers for their lovely ladies.
However, this was not always roses and chocolates. If we go back to 1917, Russian women faced food shortages and brutal factory jobs. But due to constant protests demanding a change, things changed significantly. March 8th was cemented as the Day to celebrate women by the Soviet government.
The modern-day madness you see today on Women’s Day in Russia is next-level. It is a day off for women, men turn into chivalry machines, and it is a citywide celebration. Women everywhere are showered with gifts and compliments.
In addition, floral boutiques look ransacked, like a flowerpocalypse in Russia. Tulips and mimosas rule this Day, and you can send flowers for Women’s Day anywhere with apt delivery services.
How Women’s Day Became a Chinese Staple
Chinese also take Women’s Day very seriously. It was the courtesy of communist activists that inaugurated Women’s Day in China in 1922, and March 8th became the official holiday.
On this day, women usually get a half-day off from work and are deluged with gifts. Brands call this day “Goddess Day” or “Queens Day,” turning it into a shopping bonanza with great deals and sales on makeup and self-care items.
This day is all about half-days, retail therapy, and flowers for women. They are showered with beautiful florals like roses and carnations, with additional gifts such as chocolate boxes. In China, it is a sales galore for beautiful ladies, so that they can treat themselves to a little something.
How Africans Celebrate Women’s Day: A Continent of Determined Women
Africa grabbed this concept of Women’s Day, added some activism, and turned it into a continent-wide movement. Africans don’t buy flowers and call it a day; they commemorate properly.
Women’s Day gained attention in Africa during the independence movements of the 1950s-60s, when African women fought colonialism, demanded rights, organized protests, and strived to end the oppressive systems. Therefore, this day became less about chocolate and flowers and more about changing society.
Today, across Africa, Women’s Day amalgamates celebration, educational initiatives, and protesting. African women have transformed this calendar date into a catalyst for actual change.
The Global Sisterhood: Different Countries, Same Celebrations
So you see, all countries celebrate Women’s Day, but in Africa, China, and Russia, it’s celebrated differently. These countries prove that celebrating badass women is a truly universal language. Although traditions are different, the message is the same that women are incredible, and we should acknowledge their efforts from our hearts.
So whether you plan to rain rose petals on your favorite woman, give tulips, enjoy discount offers, or fight for gender equality, International Women’s Day is a reminder that women have held up half the sky, and they deserve recognition.
Now celebrate the women in your life by ordering Women’s Day flowers online. Plenty of seamless and easy-to-navigate online floral shops offer fresh flower delivery on March 8.