Every March 8th marks International Women's Day, a global celebration of women's rights and equality. Beyond its historical significance, it's a day for expressing gratitude and admiration for women worldwide
Love You Flower, a Florist Delivery in Bangkok with nationwide network, invites you to discover the origins and importance of this special day, along with some recommended flower bouquets to honor the women in your life.
What is International Women's Day?
The women's march on International Women's Day in 2017, Melbourne, Australia.Source: businessinsider.com
International Women's Day, observed on March 8th every year, is a day of remembrance for women's rights and equality. On this day, women from various countries come together to celebrate and commemorate the fight for women's rights and gender equality.
Apart from commemorating the heroism of women in the past, many places often organize activities or seminars related to women's rights and equality. The women's movement that desires change may include various objectives such as:
- To commemorate the sacrifices and struggles of women in the past and celebrate women’s achievements
- To educate and awareness raise about women’s equality
- To call for positive change advancing women.
- To promote the role of women in all fields.
International Women’s Day History
The parade celebrating the 50th anniversary of International Women's Day (AD 1907).Source: gendermuseum.com
International Women’s Day has its roots in the strike of female workers in the textile industry in the United States on March 8th, 1857 (or 2400 BE). They decided they would no longer tolerate the oppression of their employers and the grueling 16-hour workdays without breaks.
This particular strike saw 119 participants, and it culminated in an act of arson where the textile factory where the protest was being held was set ablaze. While the initial demands of the first
protest were not successful, the spark of the fight for rights ignited the hearts of female workers of that era.
It wasn’t until March 8th, 1910 (2453 BE) that the efforts of these female workers saw success. Their demands were recognized at the Second International Conference of Working Women held in Copenhagen, Denmark. The "Eight Hours Work, Eight Hours Rest, Eight Hours Recreation" system was established, ensuring reduced working hours to 8 hours a day, 8 hours for education and personal development, and 8 hours for rest. Additionally, the wages of female workers were raised to be equal to that of their male counterparts.
The momentum from these protests spread worldwide, raising awareness among women globally about their rights and gender equality. It became customary for women to unite in demanding their rights and gender equality worldwide. Moreover, the women's movement also played a significant role in advocating for an end to child labor.
After reading up to this point, it's truly inspiring, isn't it? Learning about the heroism of these female workers on that day. Today, regardless of gender, age, or any other factor, when we have the opportunity to take a break from work to take care of ourselves, or when we have labor benefits, we must thank those courageous women from that day.
Why Is Purple the Symbolic Color of International Women's Day?
Purple is the official color of International Women’s Day Source: internationalwomensday.com
The color purple has long been associated with International Women's Day, symbolizing justice, dignity, and gender equality. but why was purple chosen as the defining color of this global movement?
Historically, purple represented strength and resilience, qualities deeply tied to the fight for women’s rights. It became widely recognized as a unifying color during early women’s movements and remains a powerful symbol of progress today.
As International Women’s Day gained global recognition, purple became the official color of the movement, used in campaigns, events, and celebrations to advocate for gender equality. Governments, organizations, and activists worldwide incorporate purple into their initiatives—whether through lighting up landmarks, wearing purple, or supporting online campaigns—to show solidarity with women’s empowerment.
Wearing purple on March 8th is a simple yet powerful way to honor the achievements of women and reinforce the call for equality. Whether through fashion, digital campaigns, or social activism, the color is a bold statement of strength and change.
Is there an International Men's Day?
Ever wondered if there’s an International Men’s Day? We hear a lot about International Women’s Day and even Pride Month, but what about a day dedicated to men?
The answer is yes!, International Men’s Day (IMD) is observed annually on November 19th in many countries worldwide. It serves as a day to recognize the contributions of men to society, promote positive masculinity, and address challenges men face, such as mental health awareness and gender expectations.
While International Women’s Day focuses on gender equality and women’s rights, International Men’s Day encourages discussions on men’s well-being, gender balance, and the role of men in supporting inclusivity. Both days highlight the importance of gender equality—acknowledging that achieving fairness benefits everyone, regardless of gender.
Symbolic Flowers for International Women's Day
Mimosa, an International Women Day flower Symbol
The symbolic flower for International Women's Day is the "Yellow Mimosa" It's a plant that thrives in the winter and stands tall and strong until it blooms with fresh, bright yellow flowers around the beginning of March, coinciding perfectly with International Women's Day. The mimosa flower represents the beauty, hope, and resilience of women.
Aside from mimosa flowers, Europeans often give other types of flowers to mothers, loved ones, or female colleagues on International Women's Day. Whether it's roses, tulips, hydrangeas other flowers, each carries the flower meaning that the giver wants to convey.
International Women's Day 2025 Slogan
Source: internationalwomensday.com
This year, International Women’s Day 2025 carries the theme “Accelerate Action”, emphasizing the urgency of taking real steps toward positive change. The focus is on accelerating progress in women's rights and gender equality—because at the current rate of change, true gender equality may take as long as five more generations to achieve. According to estimates, this could mean waiting until the year 2158—133 years from now.
What Can We All Do to Accelerate Gender Equality?
International Women’s Day reminds us that gender equality is not just a women’s issue—it’s a collective responsibility. Everyone, regardless of gender, can contribute by:
- Challenging gender stereotypes and biases
- Calling out discrimination and inequality
- Questioning prejudiced comments and assumptions
- Recognizing and celebrating women’s achievements
And much more. Small actions, when taken together, can create meaningful change at a faster pace.
Past International Women's Day Slogans:
- 2024: #InsprireInclusion
- 2023: #EmbraceEquity
- 2022: #BreakTheBias
- 2021: #ChooseToChallenge
Activities for International Women's Day
International Women’s Day is more than just a celebration—it’s a movement. Across the world, organizations and individuals come together to recognize women’s achievements, raise awareness of gender equality, and take action toward meaningful change.
How Organizations and Communities Celebrate
Many workplaces, schools, and community groups organize events to promote awareness and support gender equality. Common activities include:
- Panel discussions & workshops on gender equality and workplace inclusion.
- Fundraising for women's causes, such as education, healthcare, or domestic violence support.
- Social media campaigns encourage people to share stories and spread awareness.
- Recognition programs highlight the contributions of women in business, politics, science, and more.
What Can You Do as an Individual?
Even if you’re not part of an organization hosting an event, you can still contribute to the movement in meaningful ways:
✔️ Wear purple – Show solidarity by wearing the official color of International Women’s Day.
✔️ Challenge stereotypes – Speak up against gender biases in conversations or online.
✔️ Support women-led businesses – Choose to buy from businesses founded or run by women.
✔️ Celebrate the women in your life – A simple note of appreciation, a thoughtful gesture, or even a beautiful flower bouquet can go a long way in showing gratitude.
✔️ Join the #AccelerateAction campaign – Strike the flexing pose 💪, share it on social media, and spread the message!
💜 International Women's Day is a reminder that gender equality benefits everyone—and the best way to honor this day is by taking action, however big or small.
International Women's Day Flower Bouquets
For this year's International Women's Day, if you're looking for beautiful flower bouquets to give to the women in your life—whether it's your mother, loved one, close relatives, or even your friends—to celebrate, thank, or honor their resilience,
Love You Flower, a flower shop delivery in Bangkok, has some lovely flower bouquets to recommend.