International Women’s Day: For Most of History, Anonymous Was a Woman

International Women’s Day was created in the early 1900s, it was a day of recognition for those ladies who started to vocally demand their equality with men. In the beginning the day varied, but now it has been set as March 8.
Above: A women's procession on Nevsky Avenue in Petrograd, Russia, on the International Women's Day. A reproduction from Niva Magazine (March, 1917).

Over time, the initial political elements gradually vanished from the holiday and now, International Women’s Day is observed as an occasion to celebrate women and all they do.
Above: Electrovacuum plant workers perform at a concert marking the International Women's Day celebrated March 8.

However, in some countries, for example Pakistan, the holiday kept its tradition of the struggle for human rights.
Above: Male Afghan women's rights activists pose for media as they wear burqas to show their solidarity to Afghan women ahead of International Women's Day in Kabul March 5, 2015.

Women in Portugal tend to celebrate March 8 at “women-only” parties.
Above: Selling flowers on the eve of March 8 in a shop at Moscow's Riga market.

In a number of countries, such as China, former Soviet republics, Mongolia, Nepal, and some African states, March 8 is a national holiday.
Above: Young men on the platform of Rizhskaya metro station in Moscow.

In Cuba, March 8 is a family holiday when people express love, gratitude, and respect to their mothers and sisters.
Above: A woman arrives in her neon pink high heels at the Monument of the Revolution, a meeting point for the high-heeled dress wearing cyclists commemorating the International Women's Day, in Mexico City, March 7, 2015.

Western countries added International Women’s Day to their holiday calendars in 1977 after the UN brought a vote before its members to proclaim March 8 as the UN Day for women’s rights and world peace.
Above: A female member of the Italian Presidential Honor Guard stands at the entrance of the Quirinale Palace, the Italian Presidential palace, decorated with yellow mimosa on the occasion of the International Women's day, on March 8, 2015 in Rome.

This year, the UN motto for March 8 is "Empowering Women, Empowering Humanity: Picture it!"
Above: Women warm up their ankles with the help of a fitness expert prior to taking part in India’s first ever "Stilleto Run", organised by women's fashion brand Elle, on International Women’s Day in Bangalore on March 8, 2015.

On March 8, men shouldn't just think about gifts and flowers, they should think about the true value all of the women they know bring into their lives by honoring and thanking them.
Above: Turkish Kurdish women play music during an International Women's Day event in Mardin, in the Kurdish dominated southeastern Turkey March 7, 2015.

In Russia, it is traditional to give flowers and presents to women, old and young. Presents are also given at work from their employers and colleagues, and students bring flowers and presents to their teachers.
Above: A girl smells tulips in a greenhouse on an open day at the Flora Style company.

The day is but one in a whole year and it is important to take the love, honor, and respect from this day into the rest of the year.
Above: Women hold placards during a silent protest titled "Women in Black for Peace" on the eve of International Women's Day in Bangalore on March 7, 2015.

Above: An inmate, dressed as an angel, waits for the start of an event ahead of the International Women's Day at Santa Monica female prison in Lima, March 5, 2015.

Above: Inmates, with their children, participate in an event ahead of the International Women's Day at Santa Monica female prison in Lima, March 5, 2015.

Above: Women fighters from the People's Protection Units (YPG) dance during festivities on the eve of International Women's Day in Syria's northeastern city of Qamishli in the Hasakeh province, on the border with Turkey, on March 7, 2015.

Above: Palestinian women shout slogans during a rally to mark the International Women's Day and against Israel's controversial separation barrier on March 7, 2015, at the Qalandia checkpoint, between the cities of Jerusalem and Ramallah.

Above: A Palestinian policewoman loyal to Hamas inspects a jewellery store in Gaza City March 5, 2015.

Above: A hooded protester takes part in a march ahead of International Women's Day in Santiago, Chile, Friday March 6, 2015.

Above: Donbas women pose with the flag of the Donetsk People's Republic during a beauty contest involving women from the main battalions in Donetsk, Ukraine, March 7, 2015.