International Women’s Day is observed on March 8 in Russia and many other countries around the world.
The idea of establishing an annual International Woman's Day belongs to German socialist activist Clara Zetkin. In August 1910, she addressed the International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen with a proposal to designate a single date for this holiday.
The tradition to mark International Women’s Day on March 8 emerged in 1914 when women-led rallies of protest and solidarity took place in Russia, the United States, Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, the Netherlands and a number of other countries.
Congratulations from President of Russia
Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Russian women on International Women’s Day, adding that respect for women and motherhood is cherished in Russia as an "unconditional value."
"Reverence and respect towards women and motherhood is an unconditional value for us, something we have been passing on from generation to generation," Putin said in a video address, recorded against the backdrop of the statue of Russian Empress Catherine II the Great in the Kremlin’s Senate’s Palace.
The president went on to say that in Russia, International Women's Day "is always filled with special warmth and meaning, with the most kind, joyful and sincere feelings."
In his words, on this day everyone is "addressing words of love and admiration to their mothers, grandmothers, sisters, wives, daughters, and girlfriends, eager to please their loved and dearest ones, to hug them and say something they might not have time to say every day amid the fast flow of events, to give their love, convey the kindest feelings and say the most sincere words to those who believe in them and wait for them at home in times of trial and separation."
"In difficult moments, in times of trial, the warmth of the woman's heart always turns into a powerful force that indicates the most correct, fair, and necessary course of action. This is what is happening now," he stressed.
Putin also emphasized that many things in life depend on "hard work and generous souls" of women, and praised the effort they "put into taking care of children and ensuring love, comfort and harmony" in their families.
He said that women’s "unwavering responsibility," their ability to take into account the minutest details and all aspects of their job, as well as all their best qualities shown in various professions deserve particular recognition and respect.
"You are inspiring faith and helping our heroes to feel a piece of home despite the distance that separates them. Your compassion and mercy can work wonders, and they do," Putin said.
"Dear women, on this new spring day, I want to wish you love and mutual understanding with the people you love, and may the warmth that your hearts so generously share return to you and keep you warm too," the Russian leader added.
Congratulations from President of Azerbaijan
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has made a post on his social media accounts on the occasion of 8 March, the International Women’s Day. "8 March - International Women’s Day," the publication reads.
Congratulations from President of Kazakhstan
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulated women of Kazakhstan on the International Women’s Day as well.
The President said that women fill the world with kindness and harmony, give love and care to loved ones, foster in the younger generation high humanistic ideals, hard work, and the desire for knowledge. The role of women in the family, society and all-round development of the country today is great.
The Head of State noted the country will pay great attention to gender equality, protection of women’s rights and strengthening family values.
In a conclusion Kassym-Jomart Tokayev wished all women good health, happiness.
