For this year’s International Women’s Day, I was excited to learn that so many of the bloggers at Wanderlust and Lipstick would be sharing information about this special holiday. It is one day set aside around the world where women are celebrated for something we all do with ease and style! Although this holiday was founded in the United States back in 1908, over the years its become less well known here. I was excited to take this opportunity to help WanderShoppers learn more about the day as well as how it is celebrated in other countries. To do so, I contacted international women business owners I shop with and asked them about International Women’s Day in their country. I am excited to share with you their responses as well as let you know more about their businesses. Supporting women entrepreneurs around the world by purchasing some of their products seems like a great way for a WanderShopper to add to their celebrations for the day.
International Women’s Day started with a march by over 15,000 women in New York City who were demanding better pay, shorter working hours and the right to vote. It is easy for today’s women to forget that the majority of our time as a country, American women were not able to vote nor were they given many of the rights we now take for granted. These earlier feminists helped create the conditions we all benefit from today. Yet there are millions of women in many other countries that are still struggling for these basic rights. It’s important that we, as women, reclaim this annual day to celebrate our progress and help extend respect and equality to our sisters around the world. To learn more about the history of International Women’s Day, please check out my post from last year.
In many cultures, it would still be unthinkable for a woman to own her own business and to be financially independent from the men in her life whether they are her father and brothers or her husband. I am excited to share with you a group of inspirational women I have discovered and shopped with through their stores on Etsy. Websites like these offer women artists and small business owners a simple way to showcase their talents and products as they market them to a world of shoppers. They are able to sell directly to you so that the profits come back directly to their bank accounts. Many of our featured women have developed their businesses over the years and are well established. Others are just starting to create their own stores and cultivate a loyal customer following. Everyone listed has shipped fantastic items to me and I know you will be as glad to discover them as I have been.
I have been really interested in the different responses I have received. International Women’s Day is commemorated in many different ways around the world. I asked each woman the same five questions including how the holiday is celebrated in their country as well as what they would like for you to learn about their business. I will be listing each entrepreneur in alphabetical order by their country of business. I am also sharing pictures of items I have purchased from their shops so you can get an idea of the types of things they offer. I encourage you to use the links I’ve provided to see what items they are offering for sale today.
France
Marman Raquin in Nannay, Bourgogne
How is International Women’s Day celebrated in your country?
International Women’s Day is celebrated in France mostly through media coverage. On national radio there are guest speakers, usually feminists and women’s right activists, though sometimes educators and entrepreneurs. Talk focuses on what has been accomplished and what still needs to be done. On national television it is mentioned, and also documentaries are often shown, showing women’s condition across the world.
Are there opportunities to take part in activities out in the community versus things done at home between family members or friends?
There are activities planned in most big cities, but very little filters down to the rural areas. This is true for most culture in France.
What do you remember being taught about International Women’s Day in school?
I didn’t attend school in France so I am asking some students and teachers in my contacts. My friends who are students say it isn’t really talked about in schools, unless you are in a political science class or other feminist related class. My friend in Paris who is a teacher (12-13 year olds) says that every year on the 8th, her students wish her a happy Women’s Day, and she uses it as a starting point to say how far we’ve come, but how unequal the work place still is for women in France. For example, bosses offer a rose to female employees, where they should really be offering a raise. She thinks that the day is used as an excuse to pass over all the inequalities that happen year round.
How would you describe your store to someone who has not shopped with you before?
My Etsy store sells a selection of curated vintage finds from France and Europe. I only stock items that appeal to me and fit nicely into my own home.
What would you like WanderShoppers to know?
When I made the decision to stay at home to care for my children, the people around me always asked me when I would be returning to work. The French are very career minded, and generally return to the work place 3 months after having given birth. When I started French Attic Finds in 2011, I got the feeling everyone around me was breathing a sigh of relief, as if my role as stay at home mom wasn’t sufficient. France has since simplified the process of becoming an auto entrepreneur, which up until this point was a very expensive undertaking. If they hadn’t recently developed this system, I would have either continued on as a stay at home mom, with no rights to social benefits or retirement plans, or been forced back into the work force. There is still a lot to do for women’s rights in France, but it has more to do with changing people’s mentality.
Greece
Jehny Koniditsioti in Sparta
How is International Women’s Day celebrated in your country?
Women’s Day (8th of March), is celebrated in Greece, as longs as I can remember (I’ll be 42yrs on 13.3). Mostly with events and speeches in culture places.
In our city, Sparta, actually there’s nothing special, except from time to time, an event with a speech and a cocktail party. Of course, clubs, restaurants, hotels etc. are taking advantage of this day for business!)
Are there opportunities to take part in activities out in the community versus things done at home between family members or friends?
Yes there are several activities that a woman can do / work with. Mostly working as a volunteer for charity issues.
What do you remember being taught about International Women’s Day in school?
I don’t remember too much I’m afraid. Just few things about the previous “situation of the women” in older societies. Staying mostly in home, without voting rights and always obeying men. But that changed decades ago and now women are equal in rights with men. (Ok not always in business posistions as you know, but considering the lives of our grandmothers, we are living much, much better.)
How would you describe your store to someone who has not shopped with you before?
With my Husband George, and as many Greeks, we’ve passed 5+ hard years. Many things that we knew collapsed and our lives changed. But these difficulties, we believe they made us stronger and we realized that life ‘s short and all we need is each other. We want to meet new friends, from around the world, talk, laugh, cry, dream, and share moments in life. We need to learn new things and experiences. And we want to pass these to our children and the young generations.
It happens that we live in a Mythical Land. Perhaps Sparta, is the more famous city from the ancient world. And we feel that being a Spartan, is not just living in Sparta. It is having pride and honor, dignity and humanity. You know Sarah, there’s nothing better than sitting at a table with dear friends and sharing a wonderful meal and a glass of wine. This is the place where people really meet and know each other. And Spartan Table comes naturally. Through this, we want to invite people to share the treasures of our land with us. And we desire to have the chance to host as many friends as we can in the following years, at our place.
We want to show Sparta to the world:)
What would you like WanderShoppers to know?
Sparta awaits You 🙂
Thank you, Jehny, for sharing beautiful images from around your home in Sparta. I will be posting more of your photos in my Facebook album. Link is available at the end of this post.
Hong Kong
Peppery in Hong Kong
To be honest, International Women’s Day is not widely celebrated in Hong Kong – not that we do not value women’s rights or gender equality. I believe women in Hong Kong are actually one of the luckiest crowds in regard to women’s rights as compared to many other parts of the world. There are, of course, still cases of discrimination, mistreat or abuse in this city regrettably. But those women are often given channels to voice out and report to the authority, unlike women in many places where they are constantly violated, even secretly executed, and their voices are never heard. Similar to other well-developed economies, International Women’s Day here is seen or used as a marketing device to encourage retail sales, somewhat like Valentine’s Day.
On a personal level, I do think women should be remembered and thanked as mothers, wives, providers, problem solvers, comfort givers, especially working mothers nowadays, they actually work “double-shift” every day – fighting for their career at work and taking care of their family at home.
For those who do not know or never shopped with “Peppery” before, our shop, though a small one, does offer plenty of choices and will continuously develop new lines/products by exploring different possibilities.
Thanks again for including our shop in this meaningful cause.
Italy
Jessica Bermudez Bautista from Siena
How is International Women’s Day celebrated in your country?
I’m Spanish but I’ve been living in Italy for the last 13 years. Here in Italy International Women’s Day is a celebration for women that might has lost it’s true meaning but it’s still a day dedicated to all women. A day that we go out and get some time away from all our chores and a time to be spoiled by our men. I don’t personally feel the need for such a day because I feel very fortunate to be a woman and would never change my self for any men, not even the most successful of all.
Are there opportunities to take part in activities out in the community versus things done at home between family members or friends?
I feel, as well as my girlfriends, that we are quite involved in the community and very dedicated to our families. My self, I feel I get enough time to do it all and although I have quite a plate full I like it this way.
What do you remember being taught about International Women’s Day in school?
I grew up in Spain and I must be honest to say that I don’t remember this day to be any different from any other day. I feel that here in Italy has a stronger tradition.
How would you describe your store to someone who has not shopped with you before?
My store is one to have items (in my case Book Clutches) that are accessories meant to be fun and personal at the same time. I love books and love to carry one at all times. I always have a book in my purse to read at any short space of time. Carrying a book clutch to a party or to a special night or even Sunday brunch, it’s a way for each of us to say something about our self without speaking.
What would you like WanderShoppers to know?
About me that I love what I do and I hope to keep doing it for as long as I can. About my work, that I take a lot of pride on what I create and I think that shows on my pieces and the attention to detail I give to each one of it.
Japan
Stephanie Hannon in Tokyo
How is International Women’s Day celebrated in your country?
I am from the UK originally and I am not sure how they are celebrating it there as I have been here for so long. Nine years this month! However, looking at the official website there are over 300 events across the country. Although, I honestly don’t remember being taught about this event at school.
Here in Japan, I must say I have not heard much about it. It is interesting to note that on the official website for Japan, there is only one event listed.
I have found that the Women’s Network Organization in Japan is holding a networking event for women in business. The New Japan’s Women’s Organisation (Shinfujin) is the largest women’s organization in Japan. It does not seem to have any events related to International Women’s Day.
I am in the foreign community here and there are a number of groups working to support foreign and Japanese women. However, the focus does tend to be on expats: Being A Broad and For Empowering Women in Japan. These groups don’t appear to be holding any related events on first glance. Being a Broad is an organisation run by Caroline Pover, UK expat in Tokyo. She has been very successful and influential in working to support foreign women in Japan. “Earlier this year for her work with international schools she was awarded the International Women’s Day Award for Outstanding Service as part of the celebrations of 100 years of International Women’s Day.”
An organization called Care is holding an 8km (in Tokyo) ‘walk in her shoes’ event on the 8th to consider the lives of women who carry large burdens, such as drinking water or firewood, over long distances on dangerous roads.
Are there opportunities to take part in activities out in the community versus things done at home between family members or friends?
Shinfujin are open to all women and have community events, however they seem to be more on political lines. As far a community work generally in Japan, there are lots of opportunities. Japan is very community focused and people strive to maintain that, even in the big city.
How would you describe your store to someone who has not shopped with you before?
FurugiStar was born of a fascination with the thoughts and feelings evoked by handmade antique fabrics. Textiles with a connection to the artisans and former owners hold a richness that new fabrics just don’t possess. Together with antiques and vintage items found in and around Tokyo, FurugiStar specialises in Japanese antique folk textiles of history and substance.
What would you like WanderShoppers to know?
I thought it might be interesting to put forward Ichiyou Higuchi as an important female historical figure in Japan. She is on the ÂĄ5,000 note and well respected as an influential writer/ poet.
Thank you, Steph, for providing all those great links so we can learn more about the groups available to women in Japan!
The Netherlands/Morocco
Coby Rumpff in Haren near Groningen
How is International Women’s Day celebrated in your country?
In the Netherlands Women’s Day has not been widely celebrated and well-known. There are some women’s clubs who pay attention to Women’s Day by supporting charities for women worldwide.
Are there opportunities to take part in activities out in the community versus things done at home between family members or friends?
As far as I know there are no activities between family and friends.
What do you remember being taught about International Women’s Day in school?
No, I was not taught about Woman’s Day. The first time I heard about Women’s Day was when I was a member of the Women’s Club, The Soroptimists. The women of the expats community in Fez , Morocco where I spend a lot of time, are celebrating Women’s Day by inviting women to show different skills and support and to create for Moroccan women co-operatives.
How would you describe your store to someone who has not shopped with you before?
CRumpffCollectibles is a shop were you can find various vintage and antiques mostly from Morocco and France, beautiful items with history and some beautiful handicrafts made in Morocco.
What would you like WanderShoppers to know?
That there is still a lot to do about the well being of the women worldwide. I realize that I was lucky to have been born in The Netherlands, a country were women are respected and have equal rights.
Norway
Metta Soligard in Bergen
How is International Women’s Day celebrated in your country?
I live in Norway where equality is a big thing. The day was celebrated first in 1915, but was “rediscovered” in 1972 by the feminist movement. There is a focus on the day in the media on activities nationally and internationally; a focus in schools, there are marches, woman give each other cards and wish each other Happy Woman’s Day, florists sell flowers and use slogans like:
” Celebrate a strong woman on the International Woman’s Day! – send flowers to a woman that has been a positive influence in your life.”
Are there opportunities to take part in activities out in the community versus things done at home between family members or friends?
You can participate in marches and cultural arrangements – and you can send cards & flowers and wish other women you know a Happy Women’s Day.
What do you remember being taught about International Women’s Day in school?
I was a teenager in the 70-ies when they started celebrating the day again. I remember being taught in school about the history of women’s rights – the right to vote, education, equal pay etc etc. The topics were current at the time as well and there were debates in the media on equal pay and the right of women to decide on termination of pregnancies.
How would you describe your store to someone who has not shopped with you before?
Ganesha’s Rat, a shop filled with spiritual boho style creations handmade by me – yoga eye pillows, pocket shrines, mantra books, mala bags, meditation kits, prayer flags, spiritual jewellery, cards, and many Ganesh items. I believe art and beauty feeds the soul and uplifts the spirit, and that is what I hope to do with my creations.
What would you like WanderShoppers to know?
To extend the topic of women’s rights somewhat, I believe that all people are born free, with the same value and human rights, and that all people have the same human rights, regardless of gender, religion, race, political views, nationality. (from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights)
Sweden
Caroline Henkelius
How is International Women’s Day celebrated in your country?
We don´t celebrate that much. Television and radio can alert it. But I must say that I do not experience this as a great feast at all in Sweden. But surely we are all aware of the day and in one way or another noticed the day – though perhaps we do not celebrate it that much.
When I was asked to answer these questions I had to Google a bit to just see – and decided myself to give a donation for the International Women´s day to help women to get more education in Africa. I think this might be a great way of celebrating – and maybe we all should do that.
Are there opportunities to take part in activities out in the community versus things done at home between family members or friends?
Women parade in some cities to celebrate the day. Then it’s very individual. Some receiving flowers or gifts from their loved ones – a little like Mother’s Day. But I would say that it is more a day when we look outside to the rest of the world to help others that are in need – to straighten women.
What do you remember being taught about International Women’s Day in school?
Can honestly say I don’t have any memory.
How would you describe your store to someone who has not shopped with you before?
Me – Maränghuset/Maranghouse – are a lot of different things – just like me as a person, loving to do so many different things. Maränghuset is an agency that works with magazine articles and advertising. Maranghouse is a part of this, and some of my own designs in both craft and healing. I started Maranghouse on Etsy as a way to sell of props from my photo-shoots, but just after a few months I suddenly noticed that I was doing more hunting among the riches of our Vintage inheritance – and I feel very proud to show and sell so much magnificent things – mostly and mainly done by Swedish Women. In a way – my shop can be seen as a celebration of women – or maybe better saying ´human´ creativity.
I sell rag rugs – fantastic and dying trade that has been a big part of our history for century´s. I love some of the stories I get to hear about some of the rugs – like when a granddaughter of a couple told me that her grandfather made the rugs out of his wife worn out old dresses.
I also sell, vintage fabric and thread kits – this is sort of a way I would like to shop – not have to get so much of one color but a lot of different things to mix and create with. Vintage supplies are amazing! You will never today get fabric as great as what was made 20-100 years ago in the small cottages of Sweden!
I focus on Sweden, I know it is a country of many mysteries for the rest of the world, not knowing if we have ice bears running around or elks in the gardens (I have neither :)). Sweden is a big county with many landscapes and has a lot of treasures to offer – rugs, fabric, wool, flax/linen, crafts in wood, porcelain, glass, tin and pewter, silver and…
And I also sell some of the handmade things I do myself – sometimes I make bags out of vintage materials, I blend tea that I love myself and do share both oils and salves I make myself – this came out of me needing more then I could afford to buy – my twin daughters love using all my creations too… So I started making them myself and now offer them as a little side project in my shop. With some items I feel has a magical energy to empower you.
What would you like WanderShoppers to know?
One of my favorite things with running my shop is all the great requests I get – Many in the States have relatives that once came from Sweden – and I have had a couple of really great feelings when I found things for someone to make them feel more connected to the past. I love the fact that I have helped and did the photos for another shop on etsy and I would gladly do that again…
I am a creative artist in many ways – I love sharing and helping others with dreams. Right now a dream of mine is to shoot a book for someone else ( I do like doing my own too ) – to focus on someone else ideas and lift them.
I feel many have so many great ideas but have a problem with being seen – that is why I focus more and more on advertising at the moment – and hope I will have time for EVERYTHING and even more.
More then anything – I am very thankful for my little shop as a part of the bigger thing, it has opened my eye more of what great things we make in Sweden and – that you can hold something in your hand that I have fallen in love for through my camera – because more than anything, I am actually just a simple photographer.
Proud woman,
mother,
daughter,
artist – human.
Inspire me – challenge me to find what will inspire You!
Thank you, Caroline, for sharing your lovely images with us. I will be including more of your pictures in the album celebrating International Women’s Day on my Facebook page. You can find the link at the end of this post.
I am sure you’ve all learned a lot from our sister entrepreneurs around the world. I really appreciate the time and effort they put into helping us learn about what is done in each of their countries. I am sure you are excited to start shopping with them as well. Buying products made by women and sold by women is a wonderful way to support women.
You may want to check out the WanderShopper Facebook page and the album Celebrating International Women’s Day for some more images that I was unable to include in the post today. In addition you will find photos I shared in honor of this day last year which celebrate women encountered during my travels. Be sure to “like” WanderShopper while you are there so you receive alerts to future posts as well as access to Facebook only content. To learn more about the history of International Women’s Day, check out my post from last year. How will you be celebrating International Women’s Day this year?
Until we shop again,
Sarah