International Women’s Day Celebrations Around the World
Learn about the various ways this important day is celebrated across the globe.
Feb 24, 2015
Every year on March 8, one holiday takes the phrase “girl power” to a whole new — and global — level. It’s called International Women’s Day (or IWD), and it applauds the achievements of women all over the world.
The holiday was born in 1911 when women in Germany, Austria, Denmark, and Switzerland rallied together in support of women’s rights. It wasn’t until 1975, when the United Nations began sponsoring the event, that International Women’s Day started to gain recognition. Now, the day is officially observed in 27 countries across the globe.
From casual luncheons to large-scale fundraisers, there’s a whole spectrum of ways that each country celebrates International Women’s Day. Each year, a new theme is chosen for the holiday, and supporters globally are encouraged to participate in the festivities. There are more than 1,000 events to choose from; all you have to do is visit the International Women’s Day Events page to find one near you!
IWD is also a day to do something special for all the influential women in your life. In many countries, women are given International Women’s Day flowers (the most popular IWD symbol), candy, cards, and gifts by their loved ones.
Here are many of the fun and interesting International Women's Day celebrations from around the world.
International Women’s Day celebrations in Asia
China
Women get a half day off from work, and some even receive gifts from their bosses.
Pakistan
Women take part in fun and friendly competitions, such as flower arranging, acting, and cooking contests.
Islamabad
A five-day food, art, and entertainment festival called “Women at Work” — run entirely by women — is held.
Turkmenistan
Mothers who have eight or more children are awarded a commemorative badge, which comes with perks including free dental care and public transportation.
Russia and Vietnam
Husbands, boyfriends, employers, and coworkers give flowers to the women they admire.
International Women’s Day celebrations in Europe
Ireland
Women organize brunches for victims of domestic violence, as well as literary events with public book readings.
Spain
Photos, text messages, and videos of inspiring women are shared throughout the day.
Norway
Dance, music, and meditation workshops are heldto promote the empowerment of women.
Italy
Men rejoice by giving their ladies flowers, particularly yellow mimosa flowers.
Portugal
Women enjoy a “girl’s night out” by going out for dinner and dancing with their favorite lady friends.
International Women’s Day celebrations in the United States
- Nonprofit women’s rights organizations raise funds to help women in need.
- Some major American cities hold a peaceful “Join Me on the Bridge” event, which demonstrates that women can create harmonious and diplomatic ties across border lines.
- Restaurants and bars show their female patrons their appreciation by treating them to free cupcakes.
- Companies create products specifically dedicated to the holiday. 1-800-Flowers.com, for example, has a full line of International Women's Day flower arrangements that customers can send to the women who have most impacted their lives.
