15 really useful gifts on March 8
March 8 in modern Russia and the countries of the former USSR they consider it a "holiday of spring and femininity": on this day, it is customary to glorify the beauty and tenderness of women and give them obligatory tulips and candy boxes. In fact, the holiday arose as a symbol of the struggle for equality - and only over time acquired its current shape. Contrary to popular belief, full equality is still far away. We propose to start small - we have collected a few gifts that will help in the fight against patriarchy.
Top monki
A simple white Monki top with an inscription "égalité" (that is, "equality") is also suitable for a rally and for ordinary life - wear with anything.
Cracked glass ceiling
The “glass ceiling” refers to the invisible barrier that hinders women's career growth. At the same time, it’s not the real abilities of women - gender stereotypes and prejudices of those around them often prevent them from reaching leadership positions. Just look at the lists of hundreds of the most influential people in the world according to Forbes (6 women) and Time (40 women) - it’s strange to think that it’s just a matter of lack of talent or desire. Greta Gerwig was only the fifth in the entire history of the Oscar woman, nominated in the director's category - and this is only the tip of the iceberg. To break the system and break the glass ceiling by tomorrow you will hardly succeed (especially since there obviously need more than one crack) - but it’s worth a try.
Domestic Abuse Act
In Russia, there is still no special law against domestic violence - and there is no reason to believe that the situation will change in the near future, alas, either. A little more than a year ago, the beatings against relatives and other close persons were partially decriminalized - since then, several high-profile crimes related to domestic violence have occurred. To change the situation by March 8 of this year is unlikely to succeed - but you can start small: to support the draft law on the prevention of domestic violence or to help organizations dealing with the problem of domestic violence, for example, the Anna Center.
Clitoral stimulator
On March 8, it is customary to wish to meet a "decent man." We offer an alternative - to give a friend a decent sex toy. Pay attention to the clitoral stimulants - here we have collected some of the best. Note that toys affect the clitoris differently - not only mechanically, but also, for example, due to ultrasound. And before you buy, do not forget to clarify whether a friend is ready for such a gift.
Part of your paycheck
No matter how much one would like to believe in the opposite, inequality in pay for men and women really exists. According to the famous statistics of the US Census Bureau, for every dollar that a man earns, a woman earns only 79 cents (so if you are a man, you can give women’s acquaintances a portion of the salary for the sake of equality).
Opponents of this point of view rightly point out that we are talking about "average" men and women - without taking into account the difference in education, length of service and many other factors. Alas, the difference does not disappear, even when we take into account a variety of factors and consider income in equal positions. And do not forget that under the influence of gender stereotypes, women can choose work in less well-paid areas - so at a family meeting on a long weekend, do not advise your niece to choose a job that will work well with motherhood.
Certificate of Occupation Krav Maga
I want to believe that after the victory of feminism, the need for self-defense will disappear - but so far, unfortunately, this is not so. We advise you to pay attention to the Krav Maga - a hand-to-hand combat system developed in Israel. The authors of the Russian course promise to teach not only specific techniques, but also tell you how to assess the situation and deal with stress. In addition, it is interesting to engage in, and physical activity is never superfluous.
"Second floor" Simone de Beauvoir
A landmark book for the women's rights movement by a French writer recently re-published in Russian - and this time, fortunately, in full, not in part. The best gift for a feminist-minded friend is hard to come up with, on a long weekend just the opportunity to read all nine or more pages.
Do away with objectification
Of course, in one day the problem cannot be solved - but this is exactly the case when you should start with yourself. The first thing you can do is to abandon sexist phrases like “group decoration” or wishes for “female happiness”. If you don’t know where to start, we advise you to focus on this post of activists, who are analyzing popular sexist cliches of congratulations, and our instruction on compliments.
Tickets for feminist events
A good way to celebrate March 8 is to support a charity event aimed at helping women. There are several of them this year - in Moscow, for example, the Silent Revolution performance will take place (there are very few tickets left!), Part of the proceeds from which will be transferred to the work of the organization Project W: Mutual Assistance Network for Women; as well as the mini-festival "All people are sisters!" in support of the Sisters Center, which helps victims of sexual violence. If you feel the revolutionary spirit in yourself, take part in feminist actions with your girlfriend.
Big panties
Among the endless laces and push-ups in the world of linen, other options have finally begun to emerge - and we are infinitely happy about this. Be glad and you - present to a friend (or yourself) comfortable high-waisted briefs.
Menstrual cup
Not so long ago, our editorial staff tried out the menstrual cups on herself - and remained delighted. If you have a close enough relationship with a woman who you want to congratulate on March 8 (in a gift, of course, there is nothing shameful - you can simply miscalculate with the size or not be aware of other people's hygiene preferences), take a look at the cups. Here we have collected several popular models.
Charity gifts
We are not tired of saying that a charity gift is always a good idea. On March 8, you can, for example, help nature: present a certificate for planting trees (one will cost only 150 rubles) or choose a gift from a Greenpeace charity store or WWF - there are a lot of options.
Lipstick of an unusual shade
Patriarchy can be fought in different ways — for example, striking beauty standards. While others are calling to make a "gentle" and "feminine" nude makeup or use "sexy" red lipstick, give a partner, girlfriend or colleague, for example, blue or green lipstick or eye shadow of explosive colors (if, of course, she uses cosmetics and a gift will be useful).
Book "Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls"
We have already analyzed in detail what the children's books of the future should be in order to please the young readers. If you have a small daughter or niece and you prefer a modern approach to children's literature, you can give her the book "Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls" - a fairy tale about a hundred outstanding women. By March 8, of course, they will not have time to deliver - but you can always buy a version for Kindle.
Bouquet of shawarma and tulips
If you can’t imagine March 8 without flowers at all, there is a proven way to make a gift better and get rid of the fleur of the “tender” and “feminine” day. Just add shawarma to the bouquet - firstly, food makes everything better, secondly, there is a special service for this. It works, however, only in Moscow - but, we are sure, everybody can collect such a bouquet.
Photo:Monki, WYCON, Sextoy Suisse,
