Tuesday, 2 March 2010

International Women's Day in Russia


By Tony Rockwell

Men and women around the world celebrate International Women's Day on March 8th. It is a day when both sexes recognize the social, political, and economic achievements of women as well as the current challenges females face. The holiday is especially important to Russian citizens.

In 1913, the women of Russia observed International Women's Day for the first time. Female activists joined together to protest World War I and by 1914 women from other European countries added their voices to the protests in an expression of women's solidarity.

These initial protests were only the beginning. On March 8, 1917, Russian women began striking "for bread and peace" in response to the deaths of over 2 million Russian soldiers in World War I. Their voices helped pave the way for the Czar's abdication and the leaders that followed agreed to grant Russian women the right to vote. Russian feminist Alexandra Kollontai came to power in the following years and in addition to championing women's rights and serving as the world's first female ambassador, she also persuaded Lenin to declare International Women's a Day a public holiday in the Soviet Union.

International Women's Day is an official holiday in Russia and has been so since 1965. Banks, official businesses, and educational institutions all close and nearly everyone has the day off work. It is a day when friends, family, and coworkers celebrate together.

Over the years, International Women's Day lost its feminist edge and has become more a celebration of women in general. Today, the holiday is a hybrid between Mother's Day and Valentine's Day with the country honoring traditional qualities like motherhood, beauty, and femininity. Flowers and chocolates are the most common gifts men bestow upon women, though fragrances and cosmetics are also acceptable. It is also customary for husbands to treat their wives to breakfast in bed and take on all of the housework for one day. All women receive recognition on International Women's Day, not just mothers, spouses, or sweethearts.

Despite its shift in focus, International Women's Day is an important holiday in Russia and will continue to be significant for many years. This year, the holiday falls on Monday, March 8th and men and women around the world will celebrate women and their achievements.

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