How International Women’s Day is celebrated around the world
International Women’s day is an official holiday in a number of places and widely observed in many more. Depending on where you are, celebrations range from the giving and receiving of gifts to political demonstrations and protests.

1. Italy
On March 8 women are traditionally given bunches of small yellow mimosas; the chosen symbol of International Women’s Day in this country. Also seen to symbolize female strength, it’s common for women to pass springs of mimosas to each other as a sign of female solidarity. (Being a food-oriented country, you’ll find cakes and pasta created with vibrant yellow colors to resemble the flower!)

2. Romania
In Romania, International Women’s Day is celebrated in a similar way to Mother’s Day, providing a reason for people, particularly men, to recognize their mothers, grandmothers, and friends with children by giving them cards and flowers.

3. United States
International Women’s Day is not an official holiday in the United States, though the month of March is known as Women’s History Month; a period of time to call attention to women’s achievements throughout history both past and contemporary. On March 8th itself, capital cities host rallies, conferences, and business events bringing together conversation and thought leadership around the topic.
5. China
While Girl’s Day is March 7 in China, the country has recognized International Women’s Day since 1949. On March 8th employers are encouraged—though not obliged—to give their female staff a half-day off. However, there’s also a strongly-rooted commercial side to the day, in which men are encouraged to purchase presents for the women in their lives.

6. Australia
Australians have marked International Women’s Day for decades, though marches have become particularly widespread since the early 1970s. The day itself plays out across the country with a variety of panel discussions, breakfasts, and events featuring prominent women in their fields, speaking publicly to call for more representation, equality, and diversity across the board.

7. Spain
After the unexpectedly large-scale success of the general strike in Spain in 2018 in which more than 5 million people walked out for 24 hours, the country continues to take to the streets. While a mass strike is not necessarily the focus of future International Women’s Days, the Spanish people are clear in their aim to increasingly focus on rights for women and girls.

8. United Kingdom
Held over three days in London, including International Women’s Day, the Women of the World festival features speakers, activists, and performers who come together to tackle the issues facing women globally. Founded in the UK, WOW now has sister-festivals in other parts of the world, with discussions, talks, and exhibitions that intertwine and feed each other under the one name.
9. Chile
The day is marked by marches through several cities, particularly Santiago the capital, with protesters likely wearing green handkerchiefs to symbolize their support of sexual and reproductive rights. Chants, drumming beats, even elaborate costumes also feature.

10. Argentina
Celebrated since the 1900s, Argentinians typically marked International Women’s Day by giving presents to the women in their lives. However, in recent years protests have become a regular feature, with citizens increasingly taking to the streets to demonstrate against violence, the still-present pay gap, equal representation in the arts, and other social change.