Across Russia, millions of men have been buying roses and flowers for their mothers and wives, to mark international Women's Day. In spite of this annual tribute to women in Russia, human rights organisations say violence against women remains a huge problem, as Andrew Harding reports from Moscow.

Outside Belaroski train station, long lines of women stand in the cold. Some are selling Russian vodka; others are selling Ecuadorian roses.

In front of them, crowds of men haggle over the prices. A decent bouquet can cost $50, and what sort of holiday would it be without something to drink.

Women's Day is a big holiday in Russia, as it was in the Soviet era. It starts on Friday afternoon, and ends on Tuesday morning.

Male politicians usually mark the occasion with a few warm, and often patronising, remarks about the fairer sex.

Zyuganov: women shouldn't ask too many questions

The Communist party leader, Gennady Zyuganov, surpassed himself this year, saying he preferred women who don't ask too many questions, and that a clever and pretty woman was frightful.

Many Russian women welcome the holiday - a day off, some pampering and some presents - but many also remark that the other 364 days of the year are usually men's days.

Violence against women is a particular problem in Russia. According to some estimates, 14,000 women are killed by family members every year.

A new report by the organisation, Human Rights Watch, has condemned the lack of laws protecting women, as well as the hostility of the police and courts towards rape victims.
 

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