The fight for justice is global, but today we’re going to look at it through the lens of Women’s Day in Russia. Throughout history, all over the world, we as humans (and most especially women) have stood up for what we believe in. The struggle for equity, equality, and recognition is a constant uphill battle and one we still fight to this day. In this article we’ll look at one of the most iconic protests in history. We want to show you how we came together for the greater good, starting in Russia, one of International Women’s Day’s birthplaces
Women’s Day has grown over the last century, but sadly, not as much as you would think. Many countries that heavily celebrate it, are countries affiliated with the Russian regime, including the Warsaw Pact Countries, Afghanistan, and some parts of South America. Recently, the #MeToo movement of the 2000’s inspired a new generation and put them at the forefront of this holiday all over the world.
How did Women’s Day in Russia Start?
Now, reader, you might ask yourself, how exactly did Women’s Day start in Russia and around the globe? You might be surprised by our answer – we certainly are! Although this holiday is rooted in Russian tradition, Russia is not where the movement started. In New York City, a group of Seamstresses, unhappy with their pay, took to the streets of the Big Apple to demand equality for all. Over five thousand miles away, on March 8, 1913, women all over Russia set up a public demonstration demanding their right to vote. Five years later in 1918, this day became a public holiday commonly known as Women’s Day. However, in Russia it is referred to as the 8th of March.
Over the course of the past one hundred years, this iconic holiday has become an exceptionally large part of the Russian culture. It is the 3rd most celebrated holiday, and while Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day can both be considered a women’s holiday as well, this one is the most important. The 8th of March isn’t a romantic holiday. Women’s Day is a thank you to all that women have done, and a celebration of mothers, daughters, aunts, nieces, and every woman in between. I’m sure you’re wondering how you can celebrate with those you love in Russia and around the world? We suggest starting with a thank you and a gift to spoil them.
What Kind Of Gifts Should I Send?
Gifts to those lovely ladies can range from flowers and chocolates to champagne and greeting cards. There is no wrong gift to express your appreciation and love to these wonderful women in your life. If you really want to up the ante, we recommend a soft, yellow bouquet of Mimosas or Acacia flowers. While roses seem to be the gift-giving flower of most romantic holidays, International Women’s Day is a time for respect and gratitude, not romance. Tulips are also becoming increasingly popular for the 8th of March because they symbolize all types of love, no just romance.
One of the things we love about this holiday is how it has changed the world for women for the better. There are so many countries out there, including Russia, that are steeped in patriarchal viewpoints, that a day solely surrounding women is a chance for progress. In Russia, celebrating the 8th of March is empowering in both style and intensity. Regardless of our views regarding feminism in Western Society, the women of Russia, (both living there and living abroad) are highly celebrated on this day and we find it to be exceedingly special. We’ve included a few of our favorite quotes about women below and we really believe it sums up the importance of women around the world.
“There is NO limit to what we as women can accomplish.”- Michelle Obama.
“A girl should be two things: who and what she wants.” -Coco Chanel
“Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.” -Maya Angelou
“Do the thing you think you cannot do.” -Eleanor Roosevelt
Women’s Day Has Gotten Us So Far, What’s Next?
In recent years, this holiday has become somewhat of a battle in Russia. While the day is meant to celebrate women and their accomplishments to our world, political and cultural climate shifts have led to multiple occurrences of backlash for this great country. The idea of feminism is frowned upon in Russia, unlike its Western counterpart, and it has taken a toll on some of its women.
However, Russia is not lacking when it comes to women’s movements. Campaigns all around Russia are sprouting up regarding domestic violence and sexual harassment. A local newspaper even printed a headline stating, “Thank You for the flowers but I demand respect” If this isn’t a huge step for promoting the wonderful women of Russia, we don’t know what is!
In the last one hundred years, the women of Russia and all around the world have fought for their voices to be heard and for equality, and we couldn’t be happier. While we still have a long way to go in this fight, celebrating this International Holiday is just a small part of how you can help. Whether you’re giving a gift to your wife, girlfriend, mother, or daughter, we urge you to remember the meaning of this holiday, and how you can make a difference in their lives.
You’ve already learned a lot today! Now what?
- If you enjoyed this blog, you might also like this blog on 3 Great Women in History!
- Show a special woman in your life how much you love them with a great Women’s Day gift!
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