8 March
International Women’s Day - when some husbands take up cooking
By: Chim Linna
The International Women’s Day which originally was called International Working Women’s Day is celebrated annually on March 8. The Socialist International, meeting in Copenhagen, established this day, international in character, to honor the movement for women's rights in 1910. In 1911, this day was celebrated in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. Since then many countries have joined. This year marks its 100th anniversary. It is a day on which women are recognized for their achievements beyond national boundaries and ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic and political differences.
Cambodia also joins this event and has made this day a public holiday. Women’s rights are recognized in the National Constitution. The article No. 35 states that "Both Cambodian sexes have their rights to participate in political, economic, social and cultural activities of the Nation".
On International Women’s Day, some Cambodian people have dinner at a restaurant together or they visit a resort in Cambodia while others just stay at home and have fun with their family.
In some families, husbands cook or wash dishes on this day although they are busy with other tasks. They just keep their loved ones free from any work because they consider that day a special day for women, especially their beloved wives.
“I am going to buy gift and bring her [wife] outside for dinner,” Mr. Choun Thou, a TV presenter said.
For some Cambodians, the International Women’s Day is just a holiday they want to spend with their family without social or political meaning.
“I just wish to have a warm dinner with family but my dad is abroad curing illness and mom accompanies him. When I'm in Phnom Penh alone, there is no fun,” Mr. Kim Sung Vibol, an active social network user said. “I sadly see other people and families stay, eat and laugh together, they're so happy.”
Even though the 8 March Day is a global occasion, it is celebrated slightly different in every country. In Russia, all men will buy flowers, send text messages with good wishes to their partner and female friends or give the wishes to them directly during this day. In Italy, International Women’s Day is called Festa della Donna and men usually give the traditional gift of a yellow mimosa bouquet, a very popular flower that has a fresh blend of orange and green or yellow blossoms, to women.
###