The world celebrates International Women's Day

Today, International Women's Day is celebrated all over the world.

Initially, it was associated with the struggle of women for their rights.

The idea of establishing such a special day was announced in 1910 at a meeting of the Socialist International in Copenhagen. Its author suggested to mark in this way the movement for women's rights and to help them gain universal suffrage. This proposal received the unanimous support of the conference with the participation of more than 100 women from 17 countries, but the specific date of this day has not been established.

Later, the tradition was established to celebrate it on 8th of March.

Over time, the holiday has lost its political overtones, becoming a day of honoring all women.

President Vladimir Putin congratulated all Russian women on it, meeting with representatives of labor dynasties yesterday, mothers of deceased heroes of Russia, cultural figures, athletes, teachers and young scientists.

"You know that in recent years we have done much to strengthen the institution of motherhood and childhood. And we can say that women have responded appropriately - the birth rate has increased significantly. For the first time in 20 years, we have a steady natural growth of the population. And we know that no matter how a man helps his family, still, the main burden, of course, lies on the woman - and sleepless nights, and purely technical housework, plus you need to think about the future of your professional activities," RIA Novosti quoted him.

The President stressed that much remains to be done in order not just to continue what was started in previous years, but also to reinforce this trend. "But still, the decision to have a baby in the family is taken by the woman. And because there are such positive changes in demography, we, first of all, of course, are grateful to women," Putin said.

"So, let me thank you and on all women's behalf, to thank you for your efforts to strengthen the country, for what you are doing through the education of children, young people and indeed, because the example of women is very important, I thank you and congratulate you on the occasion of 8 March," Putin concluded.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev also congratulated women.

"In Azerbaijan, there was always special respect for woman. You, today, continue the honored way of Azerbaijani women, who inscribed with their talent and intellect new pages into the culture and history of the scientific literature and thought of our country," Aliyev was quoted by 'Interfax-Azerbaijan'.

The President also noted the critical role of women in the progress that has been made since the restoration of the independence of Azerbaijan in the national polity. "You are to ensure the preservation of our cultural and moral values, language and traditions that have emerged over the centuries," the head of state said.

In this regard, Ilham Aliyev expressed confidence that by using their talents and skills in the country's socio-political, socio-economic and intellectual-spiritual life, Azerbaijani women will not spare their efforts in the name of ensuring sustainable development of Azerbaijan.

Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan expressed his congratulations.

"In our country, thanks to the development of public policy and public relations, opportunities for women are constantly expanding. We raise the level of involvement of women in all spheres of our state, political and economic life," Sargsyan was quoted by 'Novosti-Armenia'.

"In fact, you do it, dear women, by achieving success in various professional fields, showing a high level of professionalism, integrity and great care. I wish you good health and happiness. I wish that in your families love and warmth will always reign, that you will always be loved and appreciated," the Armenian President wished for women.