On International Women’s Day, Armenian Men Share How They Celebrate the Women in Their Lives

Each year, The Armenian Report marks International Women’s Day by selecting a theme and speaking with residents on the streets of Yerevan. This year, the focus turned to the men of Armenia and how they celebrate the women in their lives.

On March 8, many countries around the world observe International Women’s Day. In Armenia, the holiday has a long-standing tradition and is widely celebrated with flowers, gifts and family gatherings.

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In central Yerevan, The Armenian Report spoke with several Armenian men to understand how they mark the day and what the holiday means to them today.

For many men in Armenia, the day begins with a simple but meaningful tradition: giving flowers. The gesture is seen as an important way to show appreciation for the women in their lives. Mothers, sisters, wives, daughters and loved ones often receive flowers early in the morning as part of the celebrations.

One man said gifts are a central part of the holiday.

“With gifts. There are always flowers and presents, somehow it works out that way. At least I try to celebrate it a little more interestingly than the previous year,” he said.

For many families, the focus is not on expensive presents but on the act of giving. Flowers remain the most common gift. Men say the goal is simple: to make the women in their lives happy.

Another gentleman described a morning tradition many Armenian men follow.

“Usually, every morning, I think all men give flowers to their loved ones — to their mothers and sisters. That part is mandatory. The rest depends on the opportunity, the mood and personal preference. With flowers and gifts we should do everything so that our girls smile,” he said.

At the same time, some Armenians say the mood surrounding the holiday has changed in recent years. Ongoing tensions and memories of war have influenced how people feel during celebrations. While many still mark the day, some say the festive atmosphere is not the same as it once was.

One older resident reflected on this shift.

“Because of the war, on the one hand there isn’t much of a festive mood. What can I say… it’s painful. But still, beauty. We celebrate anyway — we buy gifts for our grandchildren, for the women and for our daughters. Then we celebrate,” he said.

For those who grew up during the Soviet period, March 8 was often a larger and more communal event. Families and friends gathered to celebrate the women in their lives, and some residents say those traditions have faded over time.

The same resident described how celebrations used to feel different.

“Before, it was much more interesting, a bit different. In the past we used to gather with relatives and friends and celebrate together everywhere. Now it sometimes feels meaningless. There’s nothing particularly interesting,” he said.

Despite these changes, the holiday continues to hold emotional value for many people. Some men say they still make an effort to celebrate even after long workdays.

In modern Armenia, there is no single way people observe the day. Some couples go out to restaurants, while others celebrate quietly at home with family.

Across Yerevan, flower stands become busy on March 8 as men stop to buy bouquets before visiting their loved ones. The streets fill with people carrying flowers, gifts and small packages.

While traditions may evolve and circumstances may change, many Armenians say the message behind the holiday remains the same: showing appreciation for the women who play an important role in their lives.

For many men in Armenia, even a simple bouquet of flowers can say what words sometimes cannot.

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