International Women’s Day (March 8th) is the anniversary of women’s fight for peace, democracy and women’s liberation all over the world. China Post has issued different types of stamps themed with International Women’s Day and women for many times. The earliest stamps marking the International Women’s Day were issued by Northeast Liberated Area Post and Telecommunications Administration on March 9th, 1947 before the founding of New China, which were a set of two commemorative stamps, named March 8th International Women’s Day. On the stamps are three women, representing workers, farmers and soldiers respectively. They are standing side by side, waving right hand. On both sides of the picture are two slogans: “Women rise up” and “Fight for democracy”. The issuance of this set of stamps was suspended several days after its release because the name of the issuing unit was not printed on the stamps. On March 18th of the same year, the set of stamps were reissued, with the characters meaning Northeast Post printed on them. This set of stamps were the only ones issued in the liberated areas to commemorate the International Women’s Day at that time.

China Post issued a set of two commemorative stamps named Celebrating March 8th International Women’s Day on March 10th, 1953. The pictures of the two stamps depict two women, one of whom is working in the factory and the other laboring on farm. The first stamp shows a female textile worker, who is standing in front of a spinning frame, pleasant and proud smile on her face. This picture symbolizes that women in the industrial sector give full play to their wisdom and talents to make contributions to the cause of socialist construction. The second one depicts a country housewife, who is reaping wheat with a sickle, beaming the joy of harvest. This picture shows that rural women can do farm work like men and have become a major force in the agricultural sector.

A set of two commemorative stamps named March 8th International Women’s Day were issued on March 8th, 1959. On the first stamp are five women representing workers, farmers, merchants, students and soldiers. The picture depicts the scene of women from all walks of life celebrating the International Women’s Day. The second stamp displays a Chinese woman and a Soviet woman, who, arm in arm, are holding a colored ribbon in their hands to celebrate the festival. The flying ribbon forms the figure “three” and “eight”. This picture symbolizes the unity of women in the world. A set of four commemorative stamps named 50th Anniversary of March 8th International Women’s Day were issued on March 8th, 1960. On the first stamp is the bust of Ms. Clara Zetkin, the founder of the International Women’s Day, in slight profile. The second one shows a mother who is carrying a child on her back with one arm and holding a dove in the other, indicating the meaning of protecting mothers and children. The third one depicts a woman driving a tractor, which means that women take part in socialist construction. The fourth one is the portraits of a white, a yellow and a black woman, symbolizing the unity of women in the world. A set of one commemorative stamp named 70th Anniversary of March 8th International Women’s Day was issued on March 8th, 1980. The picture is the bust of Ms. Clara Zetkin in slight profile who is surrounded by flowers of winter jasmine. On March 8th, 1990, a set of one commemorative stamp named 80th Anniversary of March 8th International Women’s Day was issued. The picture is composed of many red and green arcs that cross to form two spherical Chinese characters“女”(meaning female). The rhythmic red and green lines weave a circular pattern, which is not only a symbol of the earth, but also a colorful wheel, carrying the beautiful hope of women all over the world to a happier new century. To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the International Women’s Day, a set of one commemorative stamp was issued on March 8th, 2010. The picture of the stamp is a silhouette of a woman’s head in blue and white, in which a peace dove is flying, showing the spirit of women forging ahead in the new era.

The United Nations convened a world conference from July 15th to July 26th, 1985, in Nairobi, Kenya, aiming to evaluate the progress made during UN Decade for Women. To mark the international event, China Post issued a commemorative stamp named UN Decade for Women. The picture of the stamp is a flying peace dove, the emblem of the activity of UN Decade for Women, held up by hands of women of different colors. All around are colored blocks symbolizing countless flags. These numerous color blocks emphasize that the UN Decade for Women has been supported by more and more countries and regions in the world and the concept of “equal rights of men and women” has become increasingly popular. It can be concluded that these stamps, which are themed with International Women’s Day and women, have witnessed the liberation of the world women and interpreted the greatness of women, therefore they have very high collection value.

Northeast Liberated Area · March 8th International Women’s Day commemorative stamps

Northeast Liberated Area · March 8th International Women’s Day commemorative stamps (with Chinese characters of Northeast Post printed)

Celebrating March 8th International Women’s Day commemorative stamps

March 8th International Women’s Day commemorative stamps

70th Anniversary of March 8th International Women’s Day commemorative stamp

50th Anniversary of March 8th International Women’s Day commemorative stamps

80th Anniversary of March 8th International Women’s Day commemorative stamp

100th Anniversary of March 8th International Women’s Day commemorative stamp

UN Decade for Women commemorative stamp