The first International Women's Day was celebrated in 1911 in Germany. By the way, the date of the holiday at first was different - March 19th. It was timed to coincide with the March Revolution in Prussia, which took place in 1848. And only then the date of March 8 was finally chosen.
March 8 is believed to be associated with the Empty Pot March that took place in New York City in 1857. Then women took to the march, speaking out against insufficiently comfortable working conditions. To attract attention, the women would beat the empty pots, making a noise. There is also a version that the date of March 8 came to us from Imperial Russia. It was on this day (February 23, old style) that women textile workers went on strike, demanding equal rights and peace from the authorities.
The purpose of the holiday on March 8 is to emphasize the importance of women and their achievements in the political, social, economic and other spheres. Also on this day, the historical achievements of famous people are remembered, the importance of equal rights for everyone is noted. But International Women's Day is dedicated not only to the creators of history, but to every woman of the past, present and future. The struggle for equality has no age, national, cultural, economic or political restrictions. Ukraine is also joining the celebration of March 8. On this day, women are congratulated, their importance in the team and family is noted. Also new was the Women's March. It was first held in Ukraine in 2021.
The holiday on March 8 has the status of a state holiday in Ukraine, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Russia and Belarus. This day is an official holiday. In the United States, the entire month of March is dedicated to International Women's Day. During this period, women speak at thematic conferences, share achievements and discuss what can be done for women in the future. The President of the United States delivers a speech and thanks women for their contribution to American culture. In Italy, it is customary to give flowers to women on this day. Yes, not any, but exclusively mimosa. Why this is so is unknown. But this tradition has been alive for more than 50 years. Poland also does not forget about the celebration of March 8th. And although there is no day off on this day, women are still congratulated, given gifts and gala dinners are organized for them. In China, this day is not celebrated too brightly. The only thing is that women are allowed to shorten the working day. However, not all employers follow this rule.

In fact, the March 8 holiday even has official colors. They were proposed in 1908 as a symbol of the struggle for their rights by the Women's Social and Political Union. These include purple, white, green.

The holiday has its own logo. It is presented as a symbol of Venus.

There is a mirror holiday - International Men's Day. And although it was not officially established by the UN, it is celebrated in almost 80 countries. The date of celebration is November 19th.

In South Africa, Women's Day is celebrated on August 9th. It is celebrated at the state level and is dedicated to the memory of the struggle of activists for women's rights.

In Japan, the holiday has two dates - March 3 and 14.

The holiday on March 8 has an official status in 28 countries.

Women's Day was also celebrated in ancient Rome. On this day, women had to weave flowers into their hair and visit the temple of the goddess Vesta.
In some countries, March 8 is a day off, in some it is a shortened day. But in most countries, the holiday is still a working day.

In Madagascar, March 8 is a day off, but only women have a rest.

In India, Women's Day is celebrated in autumn for ten days.

In Portugal, women celebrate this day in a special way: they have closed parties. Men are not allowed to enter these measures.

The celebration of International Women's Day brings companies millions in revenue. This is due to the tradition of congratulating women and giving gifts.

In England, Germany and France, Women's Day is not celebrated at all. But it is customary to congratulate women on Mother's Day, in May.