May 8 is International Women’s Day

and although I’ve always thought of it as a Russian holiday -my dad always bought flowers for me, my mom and grandmas- it’s an International holiday that’s celebrated on March 8 globally.
Maybe I wasn’t that far off as it did start as a Socialist political event and blended in the culture of many countries, primarily Eastern Europe, Russia, and the former Soviet bloc.

In some regions, the day lost its political flavor and became simply an occasion for men to…

Opps, sorry…express their love for women in a way that’s similar to that of Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day.

Yes, this is how women in Ukraine dress and yes, this is how the men in Ukraine present them with flowers…how do I know?  I just do!
 
In there lies the reason for this post…nothing more than a friendly reminder that if you haven’t showed the woman in your life the love…tomorrow is the perfect day to do it!

Want more?
On the eve of World War I campaigning for peace, Russian women observed their first International Women’s Day.  In 1913 following discussions, International Women’s Day was transferred to March 8 and this day has remained the global date for IWD ever since.  Since its birth in the socialist movement, International Women’s Day has grown to become a global day of recognition and celebration across developed and developing countries alike.

Not only did the United Nations designate 1975 as ‘International Women’s Year‘ but, organisations and governments around the world have also observed IWD annually by holding large-scale events that honor women’s advancement while diligently reminding of the continued vigilance and action required to ensure that women’s equality is gained and maintained in all aspects of life.

Even Google got involved and in 2011, the 100th anniversary of the event, posted an interactive Google Map inviting users to join tens of thousands people on bridges all over the world to show support for women’s causes.
Google went as far as doodling International Women’s Day on five previous occasions first in 2005, then consecutively after a four-year break, from 2009 to 2012.
Here is this years!

Just like women, year on year IWD has increased in status and the United States even designates the whole month of March as ‘Women’s History Month’.  Hmm, I did not know that but will be sure to make a note for all future needs!