On March 8, people all over the world will be celebrating a special holiday – International Women’s Day. This is a day that’s been set aside to pay tribute to the economic, social and political achievements of women throughout history, as well as looking forward to the future and what can be done to further improve women’s lives. In commemoration of this annual event, this week’s post will look at the importance of this day, and how other nations choose to celebrate with a focus on pampering and relaxation. Let’s face it: All women deserve some downtime!
International Woman’s Day has its roots with the Suffragette movement, with the first event being held in 1911. This special day honored the work of women fighting for the right to vote. Today, it also celebrates other successes and looks at other issues that need to be addressed throughout the world to bring about equality. It is recognized as a national holiday in 27 different nations, including Russia, China and Uganda. Family members honor women in these countries with flowers and gifts.
Thousands of events are planned in honor of International Women’s Day this year to celebrate women’s achievement, everything from conferences to parades to rallies to theatrical performances. It is a day to celebrate, to learn and to come together. Here is a sampling of some of these special events, and how women of these counties choose to relax.
UNITED STATES EVENTS
Role of Women in Inspiring Change Through Beauty and Self Confidence – Ohio
Herbally Radiant: Organic Skin Care, which focuses on natural beauty products, plans a gathering to discuss how to women can help inspire change in their communities through beauty and self-confidence.
The Women’s Travel Fest – New York City
Go! Girl Guides, which publishes travel guidebooks for women, will hold an event to inspire women to travel the world and make new travel connections. A great way to escape those winter doldrums is to plan and look forward to a fun summer trip, so why not start now?
A Toast to Women Wine Tasting Soiree – Texas
Deep in the heart of Texas, The American Association of University Women plans a day where you can kick back and relax with some wine tasting.
UNITED KINGDOM EVENTS
International Women’s Day event – London
The Women’s Association of Lordship Rec is planning an event that honors and promotes women in business through workshops, crafting, sports sessions, stalls and crèches. This group seeks to support and promote women’s activities and business achievements in Tottenham.
International Women’s Day at the Beacon – Newcastle
Beacon Newcastle is hosting this celebration for women. It will showcase small businesses run by women, promote women’s groups and charities and provide access to holistic treatments and empowering talks about women’s issues.
Pamper Party in Honor of International Women’s Day – Ongar
The Mystery Chest plans this special, pampering event that includes massage, Reiki treatments and tarot card readings. A great escape!
Women’s Workshop – Warrington
Stockton Health Acupuncture plans a day of yoga, meditation and self-care for women at a beautiful village hall in a semi-rural location. A great way to get away from it all!
AUSTRALIAN EVENTS
International Women’s Day What a Woman Wants – Brisbane
Brisbane City Hall will be transformed into an outdoor wonderland for a picnic luncheon and accompanying events, including cooking demonstrations, a fashion parade, a book club, and musical and theatrical performances.
Cocktails for a Cause – Sydney
Project Futures, which focuses on the eradication of sex slavery, plans a day of celebration and to think about less-fortunate women around the world. This social event seeks to raise money for the Somolay Mam Foundation, which raises awareness of exploitation of women and girls throughout the world.
CANADIAN EVENTS
Club Markham Fitness Open House – Markham
This fitness center, located in the Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites Conference Centre & Spa, offers instructor-led classes and time to relax in its heated pool, whirlpool and saunas. It also offers free child care, a nice added bonus.
Inspiring Change Through Dance, Movement and Helping Others – Ontario
Ancient Moves Studio is offering a day of belly dance, Bollywood and other cultural dance instruction, for beginners through experts. This is a great chance to try something new, while helping other women! Donations will be accepted for a women’s charity.
IRISH EVENTS
Sound Meditation Bath and Sound Massage with Tibetan Bowls and Gong – Sligo
At the Sligo Wellness Clinic, you can be bathed in sound produced by Tibetan bowls and gongs. Participants relax yoga mats, sleeping bags or blankets during this relaxing experience.
Balloon Ceremony – Kilkenny
The Traveller Community plans this ceremony for participants to release the name of a lost loved one or a wish attached to a balloon from atop the Lady Desart Bridge. A great way to honor someone’s memory and to bring peace to the soul.
This is just a sampling of some of the pampering, relaxing and fun events that are planned all over the world in honor of International Women’s Day. Even if you are not near any of these venues on March 8, you can still celebrate this occasion. Why not gather with your friends and spend a day together, either by having lunch, running in a charity race or making a donation to a women’s charity? You can even cap things off with a special girl’s-night-out spa session. Whatever you do, be sure to mark March 8 on your calendar and make the most of this meaningful day of celebration.