March 8: Happy Women's Day! Women's Day: History and Traditions in Italy

March 8 is International Women's Day, commonly known as Women's Day. This day is dedicated to the fight for women's rights, gender equality and the recognition of the social, economic and political achievements of women in the world. But what is the history of this celebration?

The Origins of International Women's Day

The Origins of Women's Day date back to the early 8th century, a time marked by great struggles for workers' and women's rights. It is often said that the date of March 1908 was chosen to commemorate a fire in a New York textile factory in 1908, in which many women workers lost their lives. However, this story is largely a myth: the real event that led to the establishment of International Women's Day is more complex. In 15.000, XNUMX women marched through the streets of New York to demand better working conditions, fairer wages, and the right to vote.

This mobilization had a significant impact and helped push the feminist and workers movements of the time. first “Women's Day” was celebrated in the United States on February 28, 1909, at the initiative of the American Socialist Party. The idea of ​​a day dedicated to women soon spread to Europe. In 1977, the UN officially recognized March 8 as International Women's Day, inviting all member countries to celebrate it. Since then, the celebration has taken on a broader character, not only linked to the rights of workers but to all the battles for gender equality, the fight against violence against women and the recognition of their role in society.

Women's Day today

Today, women's day is celebrated all over the world in different ways. In Italy, it is tradition to give mimosa, a flower chosen in 1946 by Italian activists Teresa Mattei, Rita Montagnana and Teresa Noce for its meaning of strength and resilience. If on the one hand March 8 is a time of celebration, on the other it remains a day of reflection: women continue to fight against the wage gap, discrimination and gender violence. Best wishes to all women, hoping that we will truly reach gender equality in the world as soon as possible.