On 8th March 1908, one hundred and twenty-nine American female workers died in their factory in New York during a fire. Their graves were all covered with mimosas, a flower which grew near the factory. Since then, the 8th March has been celebrated as Women’s day and mimosas are usually distributed as a present. 

The first International Women’s day was launched on 8th march 1911 in Copehhagen by the german campaigner Clara Zetkin. This followed many years of campaigning in Britain  and America for women’s rights. 

The 8th March was chosen in honour of the 15,000 women who, on the same day in 1908 marched through New York City demanding shorter hours, better pay and voting rights.

What happens on 8th March?

In some countries, like in Italy children and men give presents, flowers (mimose) or cards to their mothers, wives, sisters or other women they know. But at the heart of International Women’s Day there are women’s
rights. Across the world, there are protests and events to demand equality. Many women wear purple, a colour worn by women who campaigned for women’s right to vote. In Italy there are also marches and protests against sexual harassment and violence.

In Italy on 8th March people eat the mimosa cake:

How much do you know about women’s day….let’s take a quiz:

Thank-you