When is International women's day? What is International Women's Day? How to celebrate it? Why do we it? What is a good text to pay homage? These are all questions trending on the internet for people taking part in the festivities or simply interested in all the fuss over the "Day Without Women" social holiday. The celebration is marked by art performances, conferences, symposiums, marches, rallies and other means of expression.

According to a Google search, International Women's Day is held on March 8 every year to celebrate women's economic, political and social achievements.

Depending on the source, you'll find different variations of the meaning, reasons, and origins of the day of rejoicing for all women of the world. The Telegraph says the event "Is not affiliated with any one group, but brings together governments, women's organizations, corporations, and charities." In short form, some of the simplest ways to celebrate the occasion are the following (not necessarily in order of importance):

  • Help out a close female friend or family member.
  • Tell a lady what she means to you.
  • Thank the female in your life.
  • Treat women with respect.
  • Raise awareness.

When and how did it all begin?

Some sources vary on the actual origins since the occasion is not affiliated with a sanctioned group.

Ostensibly, the mission emerged in the early 1900s when thousands of women took to the streets of New York to protest against inequality: voting rights, equitable pay and shorter working hours. Originally, the celebration was called "International Working Women’s Day" and was recognized in some countries on March 19, 1911 (a Sunday).

However, it was not until 1913 when the first formal march was held. March 8 would be the date going forward.

National holiday in only some countries

Ironically, the United States has not adopted Women's International Day as a national holiday. Many countries have made the day an official holiday including: Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, China (for women only), Cuba, Georgia, Guinea-Bissau, Eritrea, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Madagascar (for women only), Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Nepal (for women only), Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam and Zambia.

What it is not

Unlike a minority of descriptions on social media, "A Day Without Women" (social strike) is not feminism gone badly or a rebuke of men. Rather, it’s celebration of women, their contributions and undeniable inherent rights and freedoms bestowed on all human beings. This year's theme is “Be bold for change” and was alluded to recently by Hillary Clinton during another loosely related celebration. From social events and pop culture to politics and corporate governance, Women's International Day is about uplifting women around the world and giving them an even playing field. In 2011, former President Barack Obama, short of a Congressional decree for a national holiday, declared the month of March "Women’s History Month."
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