Our household celebrates International Women’s Day faithfully every year. It’s one of our family traditions. When I met J, good socialist boy that he is, he surprised me with a dinner and present on our first 8-March together, and some treat has always been in the offing every year since. When Little Dinosaur came along, the tradition extended to her, and J is educating The Wast on the fact that he must also contribute in some way to the day. J also phones home to wish his mother on that day, although that won’t be necessary this year as she’s visiting with us at the moment.

So, what is this International Women’s Day? If you’re interested, there’s an entire site devoted to it. According to the site, it was originally the initiative of the Socialist Party of America in 1909 (back when America had a strong and viable Socialist Party, I suppose). It took off through Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland in 1911, before finding a firm home in Russia, which is where the date got finalised in 1917. It has spread worldwide since.

There are hundreds of events planned for IWD in countries all around the world, from sparkling-wine breakfasts to night-time concerts, so go have a look, participate, celebrate, maybe jot a note to plan something of your own for next year but, whatever you end up doing, HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY!