Every year on March 8, the world celebrates International Women's Day (IWD), first marked in 1911. At its core, the event celebrates women's achievements and urges gender equality. From Clara Zetkin's 1910 suggestion in Copenhagen to today, IWD reminds us that progress is still to be made.
A simple and meaningful way to honor women in your life worldwide is to greet them in their native language. This gesture shows respect and joy. Let's spread warmth by learning to say "Happy International Women's Day" in 10 languages.
#1. Spanish
Say "¡Feliz Día Internacional de la Mujer!" [feˈliθ ˈdi.a inteɾnasjoˈnal de la muˈxɛɾ] when you want to be formal, write a greeting card, or address an official event. This is the full, standard way to wish someone a happy International Women's Day in Spanish. The shorter "¡Feliz Día de la Mujer!" [feˈlis ˈdi.a ðe la muˈxeɾ] is more commonly used in casual conversations, text messages, and among friends and family. Choose the phrase that best fits your level of formality or your relationship with the person you’re greeting.
In Spain and Latin America, March 8 also features a large "huelga feminista" (feminist strike) since 2018. The slogan "Si nosotras paramos, el mundo se para" (If we stop, the world stops) draws attention to the wage gap, violence against women, and other issues.
Each area has its own preferences regarding flowers. For example, violets are traditional in Spain, while mimosas are the preferred option across Latin America. Public marches are also customary. Mexico and Argentina officially recognize International Women's Day as a national holiday.
#2. French
French speakers say "Bonne Journée Internationale des Femmes !" [bɔn ʒuʁ.neɛ̃.tɛ.ʁna.sjɔ.nal de fɛm]. In formal contexts, you'll hear "Bonne Fête Internationale des Droits des Femmes" [bɔn fɛt ɛ̃.tɛ.ʁna.sjɔ.nal de dʁwa de fɛm], meaning "Happy International Day of Women's Rights."
France favors debates, festivities, and discussions of equality over strikes. March 8 is a chance to push for policies and action. Celebrations in Paris include marches, exhibitions, and events. The President typically delivers a speech on rights and equity.
Friends and colleagues gift mimosas (representing resilience), violets (honoring suffrage), or lilies of the valley for their scent and elegance. These flowers reflect France's mix of festivity and symbolism.
#3. German
Germans say "Alles Gute zum Internationalen Frauentag!" [ˈʔaləs ˈɡuːtə t͡suːm ɪntɛʁnaʦi̯oˈnaːlən ˈfʁaʊ̯əntˌtak] to express "All the best for International Women's Day!" Alternatively, Germans may say "Alles Liebe zum Weltfrauentag!" [ˈʔaləs ˈliːbə t͡suːm ˈvɛltfʁaʊ̯əntˌtak], translated as "All the best on International Women's Day!"
Since 2019, Frauentag (Women's Day) has been a public holiday in Berlin, where only capital city residents have the day off. While there are no flowers directly linked to IWD, women typically receive mimosas or tulips.
#4. Italian
In Italy, "Buona Festa della Donna!" is the longer greeting, though Italians often say the shorter "Festa della Donna." The mimosa flower symbolizes women's resilience. Customs include gifting mimosa flowers, "mimosa parties" for women, and "pranzo delle donne" (women-only lunches) for relaxation and celebration.
#5. Portuguese
Say "Feliz Dia Internacional da Mulher!" [ˈfɛ.liʒ ˈdi.ɐ ẽ.tɨɾ.nɐ.si.uˈnaɫ dɐ muˈʎejɾ] in Portuguese to offer a Happy International Women's Day greeting.
In Brazil, IWD is celebrated with marches and events. Portugal takes a more serious approach, with political demonstrations, rallies, and strikes, often calling for equal pay and against gender violence through speeches and art displays.
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#6. Polish
In Polish, we say "Wszystkiego najlepszego z okazji Dnia Kobiet!" [fʂɨˈstɨkɔ ɲaˈlɛ̃stʂɛɡɔ z ɔˈkaʑi d͡ʑɲa ˈkɔbjɛt] to express "All the best on Women's Day!" In fact, Dzień Kobiet is quite an important holiday in Poland, ranking after Christmas and Easter. So, the occasion gets plenty of attention, with men gifting women tulips, daffodils, and carnations. On top of that, it's customary to offer small gifts, such as jewelry or chocolates. Schools host festivities to honor women, businesses organize parties to celebrate, and flower vendors set new records.
#7. Turkish
"Kadınlar Günü'n kutlu olsun!" [kaˈdɯnlaɾ ɟyˈny kutˈlu olˈsun] means "Happy Women's Day!" in Turkish. Officially recognized in 1975, the celebration starts with feminist rallies in Istanbul's Taksim Square and a few other locations. The marches promote equal rights and militate against gender-based violence. Officials, such as the president and ministries, deliver speeches, while corporate events organize seminars on women's empowerment. Donating to NGO's and charities led by women is a beautiful tradition on IWD. Within a family context, women get flowers and sweets. As the national flower of Turkey, the tulip is obviously the most popular choice.
#8. Arabic
The traditional Arabic expression for "Happy International Women's Day" is "يوم المرأة العالمي سعيد!" [juːm al.mar.ʔa al.ʕaː.la.miː sa.ʕiːd]. Celebrations vary across regions. Egypt, Lebanon, and the UAE host corporate events and seminars. Saudi Arabia emphasizes workshops on women's professional achievements. International Women's Day is a public holiday in Algeria and Syria. Since 2015, the UAE also celebrates Emirati Women's Day annually on August 28. In several Arabic-speaking countries, Mother's Day plays a bigger role than IWD.
#8. Hindi
Say "अंतरराष्ट्रीय महिला दिवस की शुभकामनाएं!" [ən̪t̪ərəʂṭriːj məɦiːlaː diʋəs kiː ʃuːbʰkaːmnaːe̯n̪] to wish someone a "Happy International Women's Day" in Hindi. Celebrations are big in urban areas such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. Activities include government events, company seminars, school performances, and pink-themed rallies promoting women's safety. Women receive marigold garlands, laddoos, and barfi. Workplaces hold empowerment workshops and tree-planting drives.
#9. Russian
In Russian you say "С Международным женским днём!" [sʲ mʲɪʐdʊˈnarədnɨm ˈʐɛnskʲɪm dɲɵm] (Happy International Women's Day!) or the shorter version "С 8 Марта!" [s vɐsʲˈmɨm ˈmartə] (Happy March 8th!). As a major public holiday since 1913, it has flowers as a central symbol. Flower markets, abounding with tulips, roses, and fragrant mimosas, work 24/7 around the holiday. Men queue to buy beautiful bouquets for wives, mothers, daughters, and female colleagues. Modern-day celebrations include feminist marches in Moscow and St. Petersburg advertising gender equality.
#10. Simplified Chinese
Say "国际妇女节快乐！" [kwǒʊ tsì fùnʚ̂ ʈɕjê kʰwàɪ lɤ̂] in Chinese (Simplified) to extend a "Happy International Women's Day" to one or more women. China has recognized March 8 as a half-day holiday for women since 1949. It's customary for men to gift women flowers, chocolates, and perfume. A culturally specific gift is "红包" hóngbāo [xʊ̌ŋ pau] (red lucky money packets), the famous red envelopes with money. Stores launch massive discounts on cosmetics and jewelry to encourage buying. The older generation hosts events celebrating women's achievements, while the younger generation shifted to "女神节" Nǚshén Jié ("Goddess Day"), focused on luxury brunches and fashion challenges.
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