International Women`s Day in Turkmenistan

March 8  

International Women's Day in Turkmenistan was first introduced to the country during Soviet times. The holiday was abolished after the country gained independence, only to be added to the register of public holidays again in 2008.

Regardless of their age, all women in the country are congratulated by their loved ones and are gifted by the Turkmen government with an incentive of around 60 manat (about 10-11 USD). This unique gesture ensures that no woman is excluded from the holiday while emphasizing the society’s respect for women and their role in preserving traditional family values.

Each year on Women’s Day, a special ceremony is held in the main palace of the country, during which the President personally presents awards to Turkmen women for their achievements in science, culture, medicine and education. Concerts, exhibitions and fairs are also staged in Ashgabat’s plazas, cultural centers, museums and libraries.

International Women's Day in Turkmenistan presents a unique opportunity for women to unload their responsibilities onto the men in their lives as they relax and enjoy being pampered with attention.