March 8 Is International Women's Day 2012

See how the world's women honor this special day.

A Global Celebration of Women - Each year, March 8 marks International Women’s Day — an internationally recognized day of observance and celebration of women's economic, political and social achievements. In the U.S., many women’s rights organizations use the day as a platform to illuminate the plight of underprivileged and persecuted women at home and abroad. Here, women gather for Women Thrive Worldwide’s annual International Women’s Day breakfast on Capitol Hill.(Photo: Paul Morigi/WireImage/Getty Images)

1 / 7

A Global Celebration of Women - Each year, March 8 marks International Women’s Day — an internationally recognized day of observance and celebration of women's economic, political and social achievements. In the U.S., many women’s rights organizations use the day as a platform to illuminate the plight of underprivileged and persecuted women at home and abroad. Here, women gather for Women Thrive Worldwide’s annual International Women’s Day breakfast on Capitol Hill.(Photo: Paul Morigi/WireImage/Getty Images)

Breaking the Mold in Taiwan - Although observance of the day began as a Socialist political event in 1909, the day has since evolved into an international celebration that each country, city and culture has been able to put its own unique stamp on.Here, Chang Yu-wen gets her face painted ahead of 2011 International Women's Day festivities in Taiwan.(Photo: REUTERS/Pichi Chuang)

2 / 7

Different Cultures, Different Celebrations - Although observance of the day began as a Socialist political event in 1909, the day has since evolved into an international celebration that each country, city and culture has been able to put its own unique stamp on.Here, Chang Yu-wen gets her face painted ahead of 2011 International Women's Day festivities in Taiwan.(Photo: REUTERS/Pichi Chuang)

Education Is Key - Education is one of the more popular issues focused on each International Women's Day as women and girls still face enormous challenges in terms of receiving equal education.Although two-thirds of countries have achieved gender parity at the primary level of education, access to secondary education remains a challenge for girls in many regions, especially in sub-Saharan Africa and South and West Asia.(Photo: REUTERS/Tony Gentile)

3 / 7

Equal Access to Education - Education is one of the more popular issues focused on each International Women's Day as women and girls still face enormous challenges in terms of receiving equal education.Although two-thirds of countries have achieved gender parity at the primary level of education, access to secondary education remains a challenge for girls in many regions, especially in sub-Saharan Africa and South and West Asia. Ahead of Internaitonal Women's Day the organization called for action on further increasing enrollment of girls in primary education across the world.(Photo: REUTERS/Tony Gentile)

Special Soviet Signifigance - Russia celebrates International Women's Day with a specific fervor unseen in the U.S. The day is an official public holiday and men and women celebrate by giving flowers, postcards with poetry, chocolate and other gifts to the special women in their lives.Here, a Russian inmate prepares for the "Miss Spring 2012" beauty contest, held to mark the upcoming International Women's Day. (Photo: REUTERS/Yuri Maltsev)

4 / 7

Special Soviet Signifigance - Russia celebrates International Women's Day with a specific fervor unseen in the U.S. The day is an official public holiday and men and women celebrate by giving flowers, postcards with poetry, chocolate and other gifts to the special women in their lives.Here, a Russian inmate prepares for the "Miss Spring 2012" beauty contest, held to mark the upcoming International Women's Day. (Photo: REUTERS/Yuri Maltsev)

All Roads Lead to Unity - Although the day is used to highlight some very serious issues specific to women, it has also inspired women to gather together behind other casues.Women in Mexico have organized the "Rodada de Altura" ride where women donning dresses and high heels ride bikes through downtown Mexico City to commemorate International Women's Day and to promote the use of the bicycle as an ecological transport.(Photo: REUTERS/Tomas Bravo)

5 / 7

All Roads Lead to Unity - Although the day is used to highlight some very serious issues specific to women, it has also inspired women to gather together behind other casues.Women in Mexico have organized the "Rodada de Altura" ride where women donning dresses and high heels ride bikes through downtown Mexico City to commemorate International Women's Day and to promote the use of the bicycle as an ecological transport.(Photo: REUTERS/Tomas Bravo)

ADVERTISEMENT
Indian Activism - On this International Women's Day in India, hundreds of women with disabilities and supporters are preparing to stage a march to bring awarness to the discrimination they face in society.(Photo: REUTERS/Krishnendu Halder)

6 / 7

Indian Activism - On this International Women's Day in India, hundreds of women with disabilities and supporters are preparing to stage a march to bring awarness to the discrimination they face in society.(Photo: REUTERS/Krishnendu Halder)

How to Get Involved This International Women's Day - If you would like to get more information about International Women's Day celebrations near you, visit:http://www.internationalwomensday.comandhttp://internationalwomensday.org. (Photo: XINHUA/Landov)

7 / 7

How to Get Involved This International Women's Day - If you would like to get more information about International Women's Day celebrations near you, visit:http://www.internationalwomensday.comandhttp://internationalwomensday.org. (Photo: XINHUA/Landov)