2. What is International Women's Day?

women with a banner

What is International Women's Day?

International Women's Day on 8 March is a day to celebrate the social, economic and political achievements of women, reflect on progress and demand gender equality. For over a hundred years, International Women's Day has put the spotlight on issues affecting women all over the world.

Why do we need an International Women's Day?

People participate in International Women's Day in many different ways and for many different reasons. But a common goal is gender equality.

What happens on International Women's Day?

In some countries, children and men give presents, flowers or cards to their mothers, wives, sisters or other women they know. But at the heart of International Women's Day lies women's rights. Across the world, there are protests and events to demand equality.

The future

There is still a lot of work to be done for gender equality. Sometimes we lose important rights and go backwards with the progress we have made. But women's movements all over the world are still fighting for equality, and new generations are joining them.

 

To read more about International Women's Day, go to 
https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/general-english/magazine-zone/international-womens-day

We want to hear from you!

  • Is International Women's Day celebrated in your country?
  • What do people do on this day?
  • Have things changed for women in your country?

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Submitted by Nilo on Sat, 08/03/2025 - 11:19

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  •  Yes, International Women's Day is celebrated in Turkey, although it is not an official public holiday. It is widely observed through events, protests, and discussions about women's rights. Especially in large cities like Istanbul and Ankara, people gather to participate in demonstrations, advocate for gender equality, and raise awareness of women's issues. 
  • What do people do on this day? 
  •  On 8 March, various activities take place in Turkey, such as: 
  • Protests and marches: Many women and men participate in marches to demand equal rights, better working conditions, and an end to violence against women. 
  • Conferences and discussions: Universities, civil society organizations, and women's rights groups often organize panels, talks, and events to discuss women's issues, gender equality, and empowerment. 
  • Media coverage: Television, radio, and newspapers often highlight the importance of the day, covering stories about women's struggles and achievements. 
  • Symbolic gestures: People wear purple, a color representing the women's rights movement, and some give flowers or small gifts to the women in their lives. 
  • Have things changed for women in Turkey? 
  •  Yes, things have changed for women in Turkey over the years, but challenges remain. 
  • Progress: Women have made significant progress in education, employment, and political participation. For instance, the number of women in higher education and the workforce has increased. Women can now serve as parliamentarians, and some hold high-ranking government positions. 
  • Challenges: However, issues such as violence against women, gender inequality in the workplace, and societal pressures persist. Women’s rights activists continue to fight for legal protections, equal pay, and stronger measures to prevent violence and harassment. 
  • Recent Developments: Over the past decade, movements like the #MeToo movement have gained traction, and more women are openly speaking out about their rights. Despite legal advancements, the societal and cultural barriers for women still need more attention and action. 
  • So, while progress has been made, much work is still needed to achieve full gender equality in Turkey. 
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Submitted by Natalie on Mon, 03/03/2025 - 18:16

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Jamala is a famous singer from Ukraine. In 2016 she won the Eurovision Song Contest with her song "1944". Jamala’s song "1944" is about the tragic deportation of the Crimean Tatar people by Joseph Stalin during World War II. Today, Jamala supports the Crimean Tatars and is against the war.

Submitted by Anisa786 on Sun, 02/03/2025 - 15:27

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"We celebrate International Women's Day by sharing inspiring stories and interviews of women who have overcome challenges and demonstrated resilience. Unfortunately, many women are still trapped in a male-dominated society, facing gender inequality, abuse, and ill-treatment. People's mindsets must change—they should learn to respect women for their love, care, and sacrifices and not take them for granted."

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Submitted by Natalie on Sun, 02/03/2025 - 09:19

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I am from Ukraine and have been living for 15 Years in Germany. In both countries people celebrated International Women's Day. On this day peple spent time together. In Ukraine it is also Mother's day. The people congratulate their mothers and sisters. All women and girls become flowers. In Germany in this day woman are in solydarity with another women.

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Submitted by salwaGassem on Sun, 02/03/2025 - 04:02

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Sure we celebrate women day in my country but I have different prospects for women it’s not enough to celebrate to prove that women have equal rights as a man , we have to do that in the real life not in the fancy world any way what i am trying to say here the women much more than being celebrated for one day …the women are not equal as men definitely we are different in many ways  man and women either must accept that different which is not mean women nothing or equal to men its smiply different human beings have rights to share the world in the way she wants snd could .

Submitted by RosaMaria13 on Sat, 01/03/2025 - 16:46

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March 8th is a special day in Spain, celebrating the incredible contributions of women through various cultural activities like exhibitions and performances.

Media and social networks play an essential role in sharing inspiring stories and interviews that honour women’s achievements while shedding light on the challenges they continue to face. 

It’s a moment for all of us to pause and reflect on our journey toward gender equality and recognizing our progress. This day is a powerful reminder of women’s strength and resilience.

Submitted by MariiaRa on Sat, 01/03/2025 - 10:36

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International Women's Day  is broadly celebrated in my country. Usually, peolle gift chocolate andflowers to female relatives and colleagues. The most traditional flower is a tulip. Tulips are sold and gifted everywhere on the 8th of March. Women have never been too much oppressed in my country so this is just a day tho celebrate spring and ladies.

Submitted by itzzsuhana18 on Mon, 25/03/2024 - 13:10

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Hello,

  • Yes, Women´s day is celebrated in my country Belgium. 
  • There is a march in the capital city Brussels.
  • Yes, In Belgium gender equality is much better than before

Submitted by AdeninaNaOH on Sun, 10/03/2024 - 18:46

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Yes, International Women´s Day is celebrated in my country. Some people give flowers and chocolates. But nowadays women are taking the streets to protest asking for gender equalty. 

In theory, women have the same rights than men, but sadly the reality is another. The gender gap in education, salaries are a daily issue, as well as violence against women. We still have a long way to go as country and as a society.

Submitted by ruchaud on Thu, 07/03/2024 - 22:53

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Yes, International Women's Day is celebrated in my country. People usually congratulate women and sometimes give them flowers and chocolates. Things have improved for brazilian women since the 20th century, but we still have a long path until we reach gender equality. 

Submitted by Firebuzz on Tue, 27/02/2024 - 14:29

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Woman's day is of course celebreted in my country. On this day, politicians and onother organization's members presents women's achievements and give them gifts. Women profit to ask to the government equality between them and men..

Submitted by poorna on Sat, 17/02/2024 - 06:32

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International Women's Day is been celebrated in my country. On this day, people generally wish women and give gifts to them. The main issue faced by women is that they still lack equality in every place. These issues are changing day by day and have a big step ahead.

Hi poorna,

Thanks for your comment. I think that what you say is true in many countries in the world - we've come a long way but there is still a lack of equality in so many areas.

Happy International Women's Day for 8 March!

Best wishes,

Jo (LearnEnglish team)