How Different Cultures Celebrate Women’s Day Around The World

“And though she be but little, she is fierce.” - William Shakespeare

From the bustling streets of Buenos Aires to the quiet corners of Uzbekistan, Women’s Day unfolds in ways as diverse as the women it honours. In some places, it is a day of protest, a loud and unwavering demand for equality. In others, it is a celebration of grace, resilience, and the simple yet profound power of womanhood. Some nations mark it with flowers and gifts, while others use it as a battle cry for change. 

But here’s the question- what does Women’s Day really stand for? Is it a moment of appreciation or a movement of revolution? As we journey across the globe, let’s explore how different cultures commemorate this day, revealing the unique ways the world acknowledges the strength, struggles, and stories of women.

Women’s Day As a Political Movement

Not all Women’s Day celebration comes wrapped in bouquets and kind words. In many parts of the world, March 8 is not a day of pleasantries- it is a day of power. It’s when women take to the streets, their voices echoing through city squares, demanding justice, equality, and a world that truly sees them.

In Spain, for example, Women’s Day is not just a day, it is a strike. Women walk out of offices, schools, and homes, making their absence felt in a society that often takes their presence for granted. Banners wave, chants rise, and a single message resounds: “Without women, the world stops.”

Painted in the shades of defiance, Women’s Day in Argentina is celebrated as a day of protests against gender violence, reproductive injustice and workplace inequality. Women don green scarves, a symbol of the ongoing fight for reproductive rights, turning the streets into a sea of unwavering determination.

Fighting for the cause of a predominant issue, Women’s Day in South Korea is all about the deeply entrenched wage gap and workplace indiscrimination. Here, Women’s Day is not just about appreciation—it’s about accountability. Women march for justice, calling out corporations and institutions that have long dismissed their rights.

The celebration of Women’s Day all across the globe is basically the footsteps of the past merging with the voices of the present, demanding a better future. Because while flowers wilt and chocolates melt, the fire of resistance burns on.

Celebration Of Womanhood: Tradition And Festivals

The celebration of womanhood is as diverse as the cultures that uphold them. Some traditions pay homage to the nurturing spirit of women, while others recognise their resilience, strength and unshakable power. Here’s a look at some unique festivals dedicated to celebrating women. 

La Festa della Donna

Every year on March 8th, Italy turns yellow- not with caution but celebration. Women receive mimosa flowers, a delicate yet resilient bloom, symbolising strength and unity. This festival is a quiet yet powerful reminder of solidarity among women. 

Hinamatsuri (Japan)

In Japan, March 3rd is set aside for a festival called Hinamatsuri, also called Girl’s Day, where families pray for the prosperity of their daughters. Delicate porcelain dolls dressed in Heian-era court attire are displayed as symbols of protection, while special delicacies like Chirashizushi and Sweet Rice Cakes are enjoyed in celebration. It is a day that cherishes girlhood while looking forward to a future filled with possibilities. 

Women’s Day in Russia

In Russia, Women’s Day feels like a beautiful amalgamation of two important days- Valentine’s and Mother’s Day. Women are showered with flowers, chocolates and heartfelt gestures. But beyond the gifts, it is a day of deep and sincere appreciation- recognising the role of women in family, work and society. Offices close early, and celebrations take over homes and workplaces, making it a national event filled with warmth and gratitude. 

Thesmophoria- A Forgotten Festival Of Feminine Power

Long before today’s International Women’s Day, women of ancient Greece had their own exclusive festival, also known as Thesmophoria. Dedicated to Demeter, the goddess of fertility and agriculture, it was one of the very few religious gatherings where the entry of men was strictly forbidden. During Thesmophoria, women come together to honour their role as life-givers and nurturers, showcasing the deep impact of womanhood that has been ingrained in the history of mankind for centuries. 

Ngày Phụ Nữ Việt Nam (Vietnam) – A Day for Every Woman

Vietnam takes pride in celebrating two women’s days, one on March 8th and the other one on October 20th. The latter commemorates the founding of the Vietnam Women's Union in the year 1930. It was established to acknowledge women's role in Vietnam’s history, particularly in national defence, social progress, and economic development. On these days, women are honoured for their contribution to the family and the society. They receive flowers, gifts and heartfelt messages. But mostly the day marks the enduring strength and perseverance of Vietnamese women. 

For The Women Who Do It All- Gifts As Unique As Her

She’s a force of nature, a nurturer, a dreamer, a doer—and she deserves to be celebrated every day. 

This Women’s Day, go beyond the ordinary and gift her something as special as she is. From elegant home accents to stylish accessories and self-care indulgences, Nestasia’s curated collection isn’t just about presents—it’s about appreciating her essence, her passion, and the magic she brings to the world. 

Eyecatching Home Decor

Some gifts don’t just sit pretty, they create moments. A scented candle jar isn’t just wax and a wick, it is an invitation to slow down, to breathe and to wrap herself in a fragrance that feels like home and heaven. It is the warm flicker on a stressful evening, the soft glow beside a favourite book, the silent reminder that she deserves rest, comfort and a little bit of magic. This Women’s Day, give her more than a gift. Give her a reason to pause and bask in her own light. 

Sips Of Strength And Brews Of Love

She lifts the mug, her fingers curled around the mug and eyes heavy with dreams. The world outside is rushing, demanding, pulling- but in this moment, the eye-catching and simply irresistible coffee mug makes her hit pause. The steam swirls like quiet thoughts, the aroma fills the air, and for just a while, time slows. 

A beautifully crafted tea or coffee mug isn’t just a vessel—it’s a daily companion, witnessing her triumphs, her quiet reflections, her laughter over endless conversations. This Women’s Day, gift her something that stays—through sunrise coffees, midnight musings, and every moment in between.

Self-Care, Because She Deserves It

Between ticking off to-do lists and showing up for everyone, she often forgets the most important person—herself. This Women’s Day, remind her that self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential. A luxurious skincare set, a plush bathrobe, or an elegant vanity mirror isn’t just a gift—it’s her reminder to unwind, to reclaim moments of peace, and to indulge in the little joys that make her feel radiant. Because the best way to celebrate her is to remind her that she, too, deserves the love and care she so effortlessly gives to others. 

Functional Yet Fashionable: Bags Made Just For Her

A woman’s bag is much more than just a piece of accessory. It is her secret weapon, her survival kit, her universe wrapped in style. It holds her dreams scribbled in notebooks, her essentials for the day and the little things that keep her ready for anything. 

This Woman’s Day gift her something that is chic, functional and moves with her. Gift her a bag that becomes a part of her identity, when she’s conquering meetings, chasing adventures, or stealing a moment, just for herself. Remember, a great bag will not just be fashionable, it will help her carry her world with ease, grace and a whole lot of style.

Conclusion

The true measure of appreciation isn’t found in a single day of celebration. It is woven into everyday moments, the unspoken acknowledgements, and the spaces where women rise, thrive and rewrite the rules. 

Women’s Day isn’t just about looking back at the struggles or even celebrating how far we’ve come. It is about looking ahead, ensuring that progress isn’t just a promise but a reality. It’s about creating a world where strength isn’t measured in endurance alone but in the freedom to choose, to dream, and to exist without barriers. 

So, as the world hands out flowers and kind words, let’s offer something more lasting- recognition that doesn’t fade when the day ends, support that doesn’t waver, and a future where she never has to demand what should have been hers. True celebration isn’t in the gestures we make today but in the change, we fight for every day.