WOMEN'S DAY

On March 8 Women's Day is celebrated. However, speaking of a celebration is not entirely correct: this day is in fact dedicated to remembering and reflecting on the political, social and economic achievements of the female gender, therefore it is more correct to speak of International Women's Day.

The history of Women's Day dates back to the early twentieth century. For many years, the origin of 8 March has been traced back to a tragedy that occurred in 1908, which allegedly featured the women workers of the Cotton industry in New York, who were victims of a fire. However, the 1908 fire was confused with another fire in the same city, which occurred in 1911 and in which 146 victims were recorded, including many women. The facts that really led to the establishment of women's day, however, are actually more related to the claim of women's rights, including the right to vote.

In Italy, the first women's day was held in 1922, but on March 12 and not on March 8.

In the decades that followed, the movement for women's rights continued to grow around the world.
In September 1944, the UDI, Unione Donne Italiane, was established in Rome and it was decided to celebrate Women's Day on the following 8 March in the liberated areas of Italy.
In 1946, the mimosa was introduced as the symbolic flower of this day. It was chosen because it was seasonal and inexpensive.

Some curiosities about International Women's Day:

• The official color of International Women's Day is, among others, purple. This color represents dignity and social justice for women.
• In 2018, the hashtag #MeToo was used as a symbol of solidarity among women and denunciation of sexual abuse. The #MeToo movement was a major topic of discussion on International Women's Day that year.