If you see the men sad, stressfully counting their last money in their pocket, if you see young boys getting sick and missing school, or if your boyfriend breaks up with you for insignificant reasons, you feel that 8th of March is coming. These are some of the jokes associated with one of the biggest, most popular holidays in Uzbekistan, International Women’s Day, celebration of which dates back to Soviet Era.
It has been since this period in our history that Uzbekistan has actively marked March 8th as a widely observed holiday, supported by the government as part of our emphasis on gender equality and women’s accomplishments. Despite having attained independence following the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, it is still a significant event in our country’s cultural and social calendar, with a range of activities and events planned to commemorate women and eliminate gender gap.
Uzbekistan saw substantial political, social, and economic changes when it was ruled by the Soviet Union. Despite the fact that the Russians invaded the country in the 19th century, the Bolshevik Soviet regime did not take control until 1924 when the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic was founded as a constituent republic of the Soviet Union. During this time the Soviet policies placed a strong emphasis on industrialization and collectivization with a goal to bring about an industrial revolution in from an agrarian civilization. Large-scale industrial initiatives were started, with a primary emphasis on the production of cotton, which eventually became the foundation of the Uzbek economy.
Urbanization rose during this time, and major growth and modernization occurred in cities like the capital, Tashkent. The Soviet Union made investments in the building of roads, railroads, and irrigation systems, among other infrastructure projects. Women’s rights, healthcare, and education all saw advancements throughout this era. The establishment of colleges and universities coincided with an increase in literacy. Expansion of healthcare services and measures to eradicate diseases were undertaken. Women were also encouraged to pursue careers in politics, healthcare, and education, among other sectors.
Like in other former Soviet states, Uzbekistan originally observed International Women’s Day with a variety of ceremonies and celebrations. These included events held in public spaces, lectures, exhibitions, and cultural performances that emphasized the achievements and contributions made by women in a range of fields. For their contributions to education, research, business, agriculture, and other domains, women received honors and recognition. In recent years, Uzbekistan has been celebrating Women’s Day with public rallies, concerts, exhibitions, and other events showcasing the contributions and accomplishments of women to society. The day offers a chance to highlight the value of gender equality and female empowerment while also bringing attention to women’s rights and challenges.
Personally, early memories of this holiday were imprinted in my memory starting from kindergarten time. We were taught to make beautiful cards with the intention of giving them to our mothers. My father used to take over the kitchen for that one day and cook meals for the family. We always had guests and visit our close relatives and friends. In schools across the nation, a delightful tradition unfolded as boys started collecting their pocket money to buy small gifts for their female classmates. It has become common for fathers to go on a mission of choosing gifts for all the women surrounding them every year. Mothers, wives, daughters, mothers-in-law, sisters, teachers, and colleagues are all recipients of their attention.
Television channels broadcast programs specially made to entertain women. Renowned singers release melodies, crafting soul-stirring songs that pay tribute to the irreplicable spirit and invaluable contributions of women in society. The melodies touch hearts, connecting with those who cherish the enduring legacy of strength and resilience passed on through generations. There are also numerous jokes relating this holiday, and new ones are made every year. Some of them are:
*A patient left the hospital right after the operation. Later it was revealed that it was March 8th, and he had a flower shop.
*A father asked his son:
Who do you play with at the kindergarten?
This week only with boys – replied his son.
Why? -asked the father.
I am waiting for 8th of March pass.
* Every year in March men wish that it was quarantine.
*A man asked his wife:
“What do you want me to buy you for 8th of March” Woman replied: “I don’t knooooww”
The man said: “OK, I will give you one year to decide.”
Dubbed as “International Men’s Death Day” in a playful twist in Uzbekistan, this special occasion is celebrated in every institution, office, and workplace with vibrancy and jubilation. The air fills with excitement, as the people exchange gifts with smiling eyes. It is definitely a day when all barriers dissolve, and the entire nation unites in celebration to honor the remarkable contribution women made in society.
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**If you want to read more on March 8 in Uzbekistan and the country’s Soviet history, you may visit:
Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic
International Women’s Day in Uzbekistan
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Shohida Esanova is a mother and an English Language teacher at PDP University, a private university with a focus in IT, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Mrs. Esanova has previous experiences in running a private school and the English language department at PDP University. She has a Master’s at Chungbuk National University in South Korea.
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