There may be doubts about exactly how international the International Women’s Day actually is today but there’s no doubt that it’s one of the top holidays in Russia. It celebrates all women of all ages. It’s an official state holiday. 

How did it start?

The seeds were planted in February of 1908, when thousands of women who were garment workers in New York City went on strike and marched through the city to protest against their working conditions. The strikes around the country continued throughout the year and National Women’s Day was celebrated for the first time in the U.S. on February 28, 1909. 

The idea to make it an international event belongs to Clara Zetkin, a German socialist who suggested it in 1910 at the International Conference of Working Women. It didn't have a fixed date at the time but started to take root around the world.

Why the 8th of March?

Russia played a key role in this. The date was formalized after a war-time strike in 1917 in St. Petersburg, when women demanded “bread and peace.” Four days into the strike, the Tsar was forced to abdicate and the provisional government granted women the right to vote. The strike commenced on February 23, but at the time Russia was using the Julian calendar. When the country switched to the Gregorian calendar a year later, the date became March 8. 

Who gifts whom?

It is estimated that an average man will spend between 1,000 and 3,000 rubles on flowers and gifts for all the female members of his family plus some female coworkers. But women will also give each other small gifts, like bath products, hand-made chocolates, or gourmet coffee. Kids will make cards for their mothers and grandmothers. You might even score a bouquet from a complete stranger on the street. 

What to gift?

Fluffy yellow mimosas, daffodils and tulips of all shades are probably the most traditional choice of flowers for the 8th of March, but just about any flowers, except for red carnations usually reserved for funerals, are a good choice. Remember to give an odd number. Jewelry - from expensive to just a token of appreciation - can be a safe bet.

The point is to make it special for that special someone, so maybe it's vegan cupcakes or a power drill. After all, it was about equal rights in the first place. 

Want to know more about Russian women who’ve changed the world? Here's to rulers and cosmonauts!