Happy International Women's Day

Today is international women's day but you could be forgiven for not knowing. It doesn't seem to be an important day for most people here in Britain. When I lived in Italy it was completely different and I have to say I miss the celebrations that I used to enjoy there every 8th March. In Italy men give sprigs of mimosa to women - to their wives, girlfriends, work colleagues, customers, any woman they come in contact with on that day. The buses and trams are brightened by the yellow flowers that everyone seems to be holding, and the air is thick with their pungent scent. In the evening the restaurants are empty of men, except for the waiters, as women go out to celebrate with their friends, sisters, mothers and daughters. But perhaps here in Britain there is less need for such a day. Most British women feel able to go out with their friends on any day they please, and most British men are happy to be left at home with the children every once in a while so that their wives can have a night out. But in Italy, especially among older generations, March 8th might be the only night of the year when some women feel they can go out without their husbands, and the only night when some jealous men allow their women a little freedom. So does making a big fuss on international women's day make the Italians more, or less enlightened than the British? I don't know, but it doesn't seem the same without any mimosa.
This year I celebrated IWD at the Trust Centre in Gloucester where there were all sorts of things going on - international cookery demonstrations, crafts, dance lessons, pampering sessions. The event was very well attended and there was a really positive buzz in the air as women of all ages and races gathered together to take part in the various activities. Women from all backgrounds chatted together as they waited for their turn for a massage, or queued for the food. I left my two children in the creche and pampered myself with a manicure and an Indian head massage. And I made a spring flower basket - no mimosa but very pretty all the same.