For a long time, International Women’s Day on March 8 has become a day for the whole world to honor women. Many activities take place not only in Vietnam but also in many other countries to express affection and respect for the women around us. Among thousands of wishes and bouquets being exchanged, surrounded by countless brand marketing campaigns, have you ever wondered about the origin of International Women’s Day? How have we been celebrating this day?
The “internationalization” process of March 8
The idea of a commemoration day dedicated to women originated in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Two of the important events were the female textile workers in New York (USA) demonstrating to demand reduced working hours, increased wages, and improved working conditions on March 8, 1857. The demonstration was suppressed but set a precedent for later movements. The second event took place 51 years later, on March 8, 1908, with the participation of more than 15,000 women who marched in New York with the slogan “Bread and Roses,” where “bread” symbolized a sufficient life, and “roses” symbolized a better quality of life.
On March 8, 1857, female textile workers demonstrated against their difficult and poor working conditions in New York (Archival photo)
In 1910, at the International Socialist Women’s Conference in Copenhagen (Denmark), a proposal was unified to choose a day to honor women globally. This proposal received strong support, and by 1911, International Women’s Day was first celebrated in several countries such as Germany, Austria, Denmark, and Switzerland on March 19.
However, March 8 only truly became International Women’s Day after the historical event in Russia in 1917. On March 8 of that year, thousands of Russian women took to the streets to demand rights, initiating the February Revolution. After the collapse of the Tsarist regime, the Soviet government decided to recognize March 8 as an official holiday to honor women.
Thousands of women in Petrograd, Russia marched demanding “bread and peace” on March 8, 1917 (CNN Photo)
In 1977, the United Nations officially recognized March 8 as International Women’s Day, expanding the significance of this day globally.
The Trung Sisters and International Women’s Day in Vietnam
In Vietnam, International Women’s Day on March 8 has been observed since the 1920s, when the Vietnamese women’s movement was associated with patriotic struggles and national liberation. Especially after the August Revolution in 1945, March 8 became an occasion to honor women’s contributions to resistance, labor, and nation-building.
And more significantly, March 8 is also the anniversary of the glorious uprising of the Trung Sisters – the first two female heroes in national history who led the people to rise against the northern foreign invaders and reclaim national sovereignty. The image of the Trung Sisters riding elephants into battle has become a symbol of the strength and patriotism of Vietnamese women.
Vietnamese women have always played an important role in the struggles to protect the country. On March 8, 1965, to honor the extraordinary dedication of Southern Vietnamese women in the resistance, the Party, Government, and President Ho Chi Minh presented a banner embroidered with 8 golden words “Heroic – Unyielding – Faithful – Capable.” At the same time, the State also awarded Southern women the “Iron Wall” Order, First Class, recognizing their great contributions to national independence and freedom.
The Brilliant Flowers in the MITC Home
The spirit of the Trung Sisters is not only a source of pride in history but continues to strongly inspire Vietnamese women today. At MITC, not only female students but also female lecturers and staff are continuing that tradition with unwavering will, constant creativity, and passion in education, research, and social activities.
They not only overcome difficulties to assert themselves but also contribute to creating an energetic learning and working environment. The examples of female lecturers and students at MITC are clear evidence of strong growth, independence, and aspirations to contribute, spreading intellectual and humanitarian values to the community. These examples include:
Ms. Hoang Thi Cam Tu – a passionate lecturer who continuously creates and contributes to the education profession.
Ms. Bien Thi Thai Anh – a creator of innovative thinking for MITC students.
Student Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao – a bright example of MITC with admirable academic achievements and activities.
Student Le Hoang Kha Han – a journey from a shy girl to a turning point of growth at MITC.
The above stories are vivid evidence of the spirit of rising up and self-affirmation of MITC women in particular and Vietnamese women in general.
Through March 8, tens of thousands of bouquets are sent to beloved women, hundreds of stories honoring women are shared, but above all, the most important thing on March 8 is still the recognition and appreciation that society gives to half of the world.
Happy International Women’s Day! Always be strong, confident, and shine bright!
Bich Tram
Center for Admissions and Business Relations
