International Women's Day (8 March) is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future.

Started as a Socialist political event, the holiday blended in the culture of many countries, primarily Eastern Europe, Russia, and the former Soviet bloc.

In many regions, the day lost its political flavour, and became simply an occasion for men to express their love for women in a way somewhat similar to a mixture of Mother's Day and St Valentine's Day.

In other regions, however, the original political and human rights theme designated by the United Nations runs strong, and political and social awareness of the struggles of women worldwide are brought out and examined in a hopeful manner.

In some places like China, Russia, Vietnam and Bulgaria, IWD is a national holiday.

The first IWD was run in 1911. Next year is IWD Global Centenary 1911-2011.

>> www.internationalwomensday.com

>> SCWO celebrates IWD.