Women of the world, rise up and shine today, for March 8 is your day! Depending on where on the planet you happen to call home, International Women’s Day is celebrated on this very date each year with little or much fanfare.

Rather ironically, Women’s Day isn’t that much of a big deal in the country of its origin. The day was first observed on Feb. 28, 1909, when the Socialist Party of America designated a day to honor striking garment workers in New York, where women had already been protesting against harsh and hazardous working conditions. The following year, at a conference of women from 17 countries held in Copenhagen, Denmark, a proposal to honor the women’s rights movement and to build support for universal suffrage (the right to vote) was greeted with unanimous approval. In the years to follow, Women’s Day became a mechanism for protesting war and discrimination. Even today the struggle lives on, with the goal of achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls enshrined the United Nations’ Millenium Development Goals.

The holiday remains wildly popular to date in many countries of Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. Both sexes enjoy a day off from work, and men from all walks of life, from husbands to colleagues to sons, honor the women in their life with flowers, gifts, champagne toasts or simple acts of kindness.

Wherever you may be, celebrations may not be quite as exuberant, but the day is marked nevertheless. Man or woman, boy or girl, there are countless ways to show love, support and appreciation to members of the female gender. Here are just a few ways to mark the date:

Random acts of kindness

Has a female colleague, relative, neighbor or friend made a difference to the quality of your life? Honor her with a bouquet, sweet treat, fruit basket, gift certificate or a simple thanks for all she does for you.

Women in history as role models

Teach your sons and daughters about the countless women who’ve stepped outside the confines of their gender in centuries past.

Celebrate your friends

Don’t wait for an invitation but rather be the driving force behind the organization of a day out with your most beloved. With spring just about here, a hike might be in order, or perhaps a stroll through the farmer’s market. Or maybe it’s time for the first ice cream cone of the season? Use your imagination and claim the day!