How Are Women's Days March 8 and October 20 Different in Vietnam?

In Vietnam, women are celebrated on not just one but two special days: International Women’s Day (March 8) and Vietnamese Women’s Day (October 20). While both are occasions to honor women, they have different origins, meanings, and traditions.

If you’re curious about how these days are observed in Vietnam, let’s explore their differences and significance together with Chus!

March 8 – International Women’s Day in Vietnam

International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8 is recognized worldwide, but in Vietnam, it carries unique significance.

Historical Roots

IWD originated from the labor movement of female textile workers in the U.S. during the late 19th century. On March 8, 1857, women in New York protested for better working conditions and higher wages. Over time, this movement grew, and in 1910, during the International Women’s Conference in Copenhagen, activist Clara Zetkin proposed setting aside a global day to honor women’s rights. March 8 was chosen.

Today, the day symbolizes the fight for gender equality and women’s empowerment across the world.

How March 8 Is Celebrated in Vietnam

In Vietnam, March 8 is widely observed, but rather than focusing solely on women’s rights activism, it is often a day when women receive appreciation from family, friends, and colleagues.

• Men typically give flowers, gifts, and heartfelt messages to their mothers, wives, girlfriends, and female colleagues.
• Offices and schools organize small celebrations, lunches, or gatherings to honor women.
• While awareness campaigns about women’s rights exist, they are less prominent compared to some Western countries.

Essentially, in Vietnam, March 8 is a day of recognition and gratitude rather than protests or activism.

October 20 – Vietnamese Women’s Day

Unlike March 8, October 20 is exclusive to Vietnam and has historical ties to the country’s revolutionary past.

Origins of Vietnamese Women’s Day

On October 20, 1930, the Vietnamese Women’s Association (now the Vietnam Women’s Union) was founded to encourage women to participate in the national independence movement. This was the first official women’s organization in Vietnam, established to promote women’s rights and recognize their contributions to society.

Since then, October 20 has been observed annually as Vietnamese Women’s Day, a moment to appreciate the strength, sacrifices, and achievements of Vietnamese women.

How October 20 Is Celebrated in Vietnam

While similar to March 8 in some ways, October 20 has a more national and cultural focus:

• Schools, businesses, and government offices hold ceremonies and events honoring Vietnamese women.
• The media highlights stories of inspiring Vietnamese women, from historical figures to modern entrepreneurs and social leaders.
• Especially, many people express their love and gratitude by giving flowers, gifts, and well-wishes to the important women in their lives.

Unlike March 8, which has international roots, October 20 is a day of national pride, acknowledging the role of women in Vietnam’s history and development.

Are March 8 and October 20 the Same in Vietnam?

Despite their differences, these two days share a common purpose: celebrating and appreciating women. In Vietnam, they are both widely observed, and many people refer to them simply as "Women’s Day."

On both occasions, men often show their gratitude to the important women in their lives—whether it’s mothers, wives, girlfriends, teachers, or colleagues—through gifts, kind words, and gestures of appreciation

Conclusion

Now that you know the difference between March 8 and October 20 in Vietnam, you’ll have a better understanding of how these two Women’s Days are observed in the country.

If you’re looking for a meaningful gift for her for the special women in your life, check out Chus.vn! We specialize in Vietnamese handmade gifts, crafted with love by local artisans. Whether for March 8 or October 20, a heartfelt gift is always a nice way to show your appreciation!