Watch several Moscow women share their thoughts on Women's Day.
With Russia preparing to celebrate an extended March 8 holiday weekend, we asked 10 Moscow women to share what International Women’s Day means to them. Photos and interviews by Pascal Dumont.
1. Yana Krayeva, artist and 20-year world traveler
“I think as a general practice, it is a good idea to give women flowers more than once a year.”
2. Anastasia Tsurtsumia, finance specialist
“No, not women’s day but girls' day. That is a better way to say it!”
3. Zinaida, retired police major
“The gifts are not so important. What matters is receiving attention and being honored.”
4. Valentina, retired accountant
“I especially like receiving flowers on that day.”
5. Nina, retired economist
“Women’s Day is less celebrated today than during Soviet times. I feel the tradition has gone away.”
6. Magdalena Slastushinsky, lecturer at Moscow State University
“This is a major day here in Russia. We start getting ready for the celebration from March 1.”
7. Darina Kachalenko, fine arts student at the Moscow State Academic Art Institute
“This is the best Russian holiday because I like feeling like a princess. For just one day!”
8. Masha Averina, fine arts student at the Moscow State Academic Art Institute
“I like the fact that we can watch our favorite movies on television on that day.”
9. Lina Senkina, fine arts student at the Moscow State Academic Art Institute
“On this day, I remember everything that my Mom has done for me.”
10. Yekaterina Lebedeva, teacher at the Moscow State Academic Art Institute
“I celebrate Women’s Day at work in my studio. An artist does not have a holiday.”
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