International Women’s Day around the world

International Women’s Day, celebrated every year on March 8, is always an opportunity to question the status of women around the world. Rather than deploring poor student countries, we have decided to focus on the good practices of certain countries which are paving the way towards greater equality between men and women.

Iceland, master of gender equality

In addition to being one of the few countries to elect a woman president,Icelanders are a model for gender parity and equality. In 1975, a large part of the island’s women went on strike on an October day and the men then realized the importance of women in the functioning of society. While the event did not change everything on its own, it nevertheless left its mark on the minds and pushed Icelandic society to move in the right direction. The anecdote is that during this day of strike, the sales of hot dogs exploded because the men did not know how to cook properly for their children.

Denmark, a joy of equality

Although Denmark is not top of the rankings, it defends itself very well on gender equality. The issue is a real government priority and efforts are regularly made. The country is particularly known for having a very good and flexible maternity leave policy. Finally, and not to be underestimated, Denmark returns each year to the top of the world ranking of the best places to live and where people are the happiest, according to the World Happiness Report.

Norway, politically yours

Norway, like its Eastern European counterparts, has the top ranking of the most egalitarian countries between the sexes. But where Norway dethrones all records is in terms of politics. Parity is almost perfect, and the trend is often reversed compared to the rest of the European countries. There have been many times more women than men in the Norwegian government. Equal family tasks are also one of Norway’s great strengths. At the time of the child’s birth, men are also required to take 1 month of paternity leave or their wife is herself removed from maternity leave. This is enough to involve fathers in the education of their children at an early age.

Italy, the mimosa in the spotlight

In Italy, International Women’s Day, or Festa della Donna, is celebrated with the giving of mimosa flowers. The UDI (Unione Donne in Italia), the Italian women’s union, was founded in Rome in September 1944. It was this association that chose the mimosa as its symbol for Women’s Day, because it was the one of the cheapest flowers. Also considered a symbol of feminine strength, bouquets of mimosa are frequently offered between women as a sign of feminine solidarity.

How is Women’s Day celebrated in the rest of the world?

Russia

Russia and Belarus carefully cultivate Women’s Day. Men give gifts to their wives, their mothers and sometimes even their colleagues. The children also bring flowers to the mothers and teachers. If Women’s Day is celebrated with the family, festive meals are organized.ç

China

Many employers use this day to express their gratitude to their employees. Working women are usually given half a day off or just a shorter working day. It is also increasingly popular for employers to give out small gifts to their employees. Another way to celebrate Women’s Day in China is the large number of product discounts offered to women on this day.

United States

International Women’s Day is not a national holiday in the United States, although March is considered Women’s History Month. A presidential proclamation issued each year honors the achievements of American women.

The United Kingdom

Held over three days in London, including International Women’s Day, the Women of the World festival features speakers, activists and artists, coming together to tackle issues facing women around the world.

Chili

The day is punctuated by parades through several cities, particularly Santiago, the capital of Chili, during which protesters also wear green handkerchiefs to symbolize their support for sexual and reproductive rights. Chants, drum rolls and elaborate costumes are part of the game.

African countries

Africa celebrates International African Women’s Day on July 31. This is an event that has existed for almost 60 years. This day is an opportunity to take stock of the situation of women on the African continent. Rwanda stands out as the country has 61% women in its parliament.

Why don’t we go to these countries?

If you too, this article has made you want to travel to one of these countries, consider taking advantage of our travel insurance at the best TravelPass price to go abroad safely. You can also find your travel information on these countries on our website.