International Women’s Day takes place annually on March 8th and is celebrated globally. According to the IWD website, “International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.”
What’s amazing about International Women’s Day is, this day isn’t owned by a singular business or charity. This is a day that is celebrated by all no matter where you are in the world. It is a day has a different meaning for many and has been celebrated for over a century. If you’re thinking about joining the celebration here are 12 ways you can do so.
Use the official hashtags
When sharing your thoughts and images on Women’s International Day remember to use the hashtags to bring as much awareness to your posts as possible. There are two: #IWD20201 and #GenerationEquality, the theme for 2021.
Show gratitude to the woman (or women) who inspire you
Is there a woman or women who have helped you become the woman you are today? Is there someone who inspires you to strive for success? International Women’s Day is a perfect opportunity to tell them in person and/or on social how they’ve helped and inspired you.
Mentor a young woman
Speaking of a woman who inspired you, pay that inspiration forward by mentoring a young woman at work, school or in your community. What better feeling is there to know that you’ve had a hand in molding tomorrow’s leaders.
Talk to your children about International Women’s Day
It never too early to start talking to children about the importance of gender equality and the role that women play in shaping the world. Explain to them why the day was created and the importance of why we need such a day. Educate them on the achievements of women and the gender challenges they faced while standing up and fighting for what is right.
Read about women who have shaped the globe
In addition to talking about the achievements of women, you can also read about them. Here are five books for both children and adults to add to your reading list.
200 Women: Who Will Change The Way You See The World
Rad American Women A-Z: Rebels, Trailblazers, and Visionaries who Shaped Our History . . . and Our Future!
We Should All Be Feminists
Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race
Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History
For even more reading here are an additional 70 written by black women that you should consider adding to your book collection.
Create a playlist of female empowerment songs
Here are 20 songs to get your list going:
I’m Every Woman – Chaka Khan / Whitney Houston
Independent Women – Destiny’s Child
Feeling Good – Nina Simone
I’m Coming Out – Diana Ross
Girl on Fire – Alicia Keys
Video – India Arie
Control – Janet Jackson
Respect – Aretha Franklin
Run The World – Beyonce
Bossy – Kelis
What’s Love Got To Do With It – Tina Turner
Unity – Queen Latifah
Grown Woman – Beyonce
Superwoman – Alicia Keys
None of Your Business – Salt-n-Peppa
You Gotta Be – Des’ree
She Works Hard For The Money – Donna Summer
Conqueror – Estelle
Good Woman Down – Mary J. Blige
I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor
Support women-owned businesses
Whether online or in-person you should make it a point to seek out and support women-owned businesses. Why? There are several reasons, the most important being it shows young girls that they too can be a business owner when they get older, you contribute to the economic growth of the community, and because women, especially black women, face challenges securing loans to start a business so by patronizing their shop you’re sending a message of support and recognition of their hard work.
Oh, by the way, if you’re in the market for some new home accessories you can check out these black female-owned decor shops.
Support a friend
Piggybacking off supporting women-owned businesses, if you have women friends who have businesses today is an excellent day to support them. To do this you can buy something from them with no discounts, ask if they need help with anything, and mention their businesses to other people you know. You can also share their Facebook business page, repost this IG photos, and retweet them. Your friends work hard, show them you respect their hustle by helping them in any way that you can.
Support women-focused charities and shelters
Help those who are less fortunate than you are. Go through your closets and donate what you and your children can no longer fit, including toys they no longer play with. You can also donate your time by volunteering. If you don’t have clothing or time you can most certainly give a monetary donation. Funds donated from you and others help keep the charity and shelters running. Most importantly, they provide the women (and their children) who seek these services with what they need to survive. Here is a list of women’s charities you can support.
Attend an International Women’s Day event
There are in-person and digital events that are taking place around the globe. You can check here to see if there are any events taking place in your neck of the woods. If that doesn’t work you can host your own event. You can host a twitter party with a custom hashtag (but remember to also use the official hashtag as well for broader visibility), or you can have a party at your office or home.
Wear Purple
Purple is the official color for International Women’s Day. It’s a color that symbolizes justice and dignity. Wear purple as your way to show those around you that you support a more gender-balanced world.
Work on your goals
Last but not least, take this time to focus on yourself. Think about all you’ve accomplished thus far. Also, think about where you are, where you want to be and the steps you need to get there. If you need a little help here are some boss lady organizational tips to help you keep focused on your goals and if you’re feeling a little lost here’s some advice to help you find your passion.
What are some ways that you plan on celebrating International Women’s Day? Share with me in the comments below.
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