Happy International Women’s Day 2021!
Happy International Women’s Day! С восьмым марта! Today is the day where, all around the world, women are celebrated and appreciated. Different countries celebrate this holiday in various ways; some celebrate it much more than others. In Russia, International Women’s Day is a national holiday held in high regard. In this short article, you’ll find out more about this special occasion and how it is celebrated in Russia, as well as its significance in 2021.
A brief history of International Women’s Day in Russia
This year is actually the 110th International Women’s Day! The holiday was first celebrated in 1911 in just a handful of European countries. From there it gradually grew and grew! The United Nations first officially recognised International Women’s Day in 1977; this recognition gave the day an even higher status. Since then, it has been celebrated every year in a variety of ways. Sometimes women’s marches take place, sometimes parades, but most often the day simply involves a show of appreciation and respect for women everywhere.
How is it celebrated today?
In Russia, women traditionally receive presents and cards on this day. These can be from anyone – husbands, brothers, sisters or mothers! One of the best things about International Women’s Day is that it can be celebrated by anyone. It’s therefore simply a chance for everyone to appreciate the special women in their lives, and is not exclusive (unlike Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day, perhaps). Moreover, as this day is always a national holiday in Russia, women can really relax and take some time for themselves.
People often give flowers to women on the 8th March
Celebrations in 2021
Due to the fact that the 8th March falls on a Monday this year, those countries which consider this special occasion to be a national holiday will get a three-day weekend! Various exhibitions, film screenings and concerts will take place in Moscow and other cities in Russia throughout the weekend. There’s plenty to choose from to make the most of this holiday.
Each year, the UN gives a theme for International Women’s Day. This year they have chosen ‘Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world’. The idea behind this theme is to acknowledge the role of women and girls in aiding the world’s recovery from the pandemic. Previous themes have ranged from focussing on the empowerment of rural women to championing equal access to education.
The UN will be hosting a live online event to mark the occasion, beginning at 10:00am Eastern Standard Time (6pm Moscow Standard Time, 4pm Central European Time). Several significant speakers will take part in the livestream, including Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, the Executive Director of UN Women. Additionally, there will be a special discussion section on ‘Women’s Leadership in a COVID-19 World’, as well as musical performances.
However you decide to spend the 8th of March, we hope that you enjoy the day!
Learning Russian and want to find out a bit more about International Women’s Day from real Russians? Check out this video!
