By Kamala Thiagarajan Jean, 72, a Chinese opera performer, poses for a portrait before performing in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Annice Lyn/Everyday Asia hide caption March 8 is International Women's Day — a date picked in honor of a remarkable Russian protest. During World War I, women in Russia went on strike. They demanded "bread and peace." Among the results of their four-day protest: the Czar abdicated and women gained the right to vote. This bold strike began on Feb. 23, 1917, according to the Julian calendar then used in Russia. That date translated to March 8 in the Gregorian calendar that much of the world uses. So that's the day chosen for this celebratory event. True to the spirit of those Russian women, the world pauses on this day to celebrate the achievements of women. This year to mark International Women's Day, the United Nations is calling for "Rights. Justice. Action. For all women and girls." Sometimes, the true achievements are the ones that we barely see.…