March 8

How many of you knew March 8th is actually International Women's Day? Well I surely didn't until my mom pointed it out. It is a national holiday in several countries. (I think it would be more well known if we all got a day off on that day.) This day celebrates almost a century of struggle and effort put in by both women and men for equality of suffrage and rights. It doesn't matter if the holiday is in one country and not another. This day is a celebration of all women universally no matter what race, what heritage, what language they speak, or how many Benjamin Franklin's they carry at once in their purse. Maybe that's what makes this day even more special.

It took a while but it finally happened! Now International Women's Day is celebrated in China, Armenia, Russia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and Vietnam. Men give gifts to their mothers, aunts, sister, wives, girlfriends, and etc. In some countries IWD is treated as a Mother's day.
Impress your friends (or troublesome in-laws) with your extensive knowledge of this not well known holiday! Some important events and breakthroughs:

1908

Women became more vocal and wanted change. Society became rocky and one day in 1908 a mob of 15,000 (Go us!) women stampeded through New York City demanded shorter hours, better pay, and voting rights.

1909

The first women's day was decided to be sent on the 28th of February in the United States. Until 1913, it was celebrated on the last Sunday of February until 1913.

1910

The Socialist Convention met in Copenhagen and ordained Women's Day, international in character, to honor the breakthroughs and accomplishments of women and to even help spread women's suffrage universally! The idea was approved unanimously. The conference consisted of over 100 women from 17 different countries, and included the first three women elected into Finnish Parliament.

1913-1914

Russian Women celebrated their first International Women's Day on the last Sunday in February 1913. Afterwards, the official date was moved to March 8 and is continued to be celebrated worldwide.

1917

After 2 million Russian soldiers died, the last Sunday of February, women in Russia held a strike fighting for "bread and peace." Four days later Czar was granted women's suffrage. On the Julian calender used in Russia, the date is February 23 when the strike had begun. On the Georgia calender, the date is March 8.

Join in the celebration and treat yourself or someone who you admire and know deserves a sweet surprise a gift from Orientalpearls.net.