“International Women’s Day has been celebrated for over a century, marking a day of recognition for how far women’s rights around the world have come – and advocacy for how far we still have to go.”

International Women’s Day was first celebrated in 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland as a way to honor women’s achievements and fight for their rights. The early 1900s saw women all over the world fighting for their right to vote, better working conditions, better pay, and equal respect to men.  Over a million people attended rallies and demonstrations on the first ever IWD. It was a huge success, and the tradition continued to spread throughout the world.

In the years that followed, International Women’s Day continued to be a day for women to come together and fight for their rights. During World War I, women in Russia held a massive demonstration on International Women’s Day, demanding an end to the war and food shortages. This demonstration helped spark the Russian Revolution, and the Soviet Union was the first country to declare International Women’s Day a national holiday.

Today, International Women’s Day is celebrated all around the world, with events and demonstrations focused on gender equality, women’s rights, and social justice. It’s a day to honor the amazing women who have fought for change throughout history and to continue the fight for a more just and equal world. 

Below are ten excellent ways you too can celebrate International Women’s Day and help create a gender equal world. 

1. Honor the women in your life

First up, why not take some time to reflect on the amazing women in your life? Think about your mom, grandma, sister, aunt, or any other female figures who have influenced you in a positive way. Reach out to them and let them know how much they mean to you.

2. Attend an IWD event

Another great way to celebrate is to attend or organize a Women’s Day event. There are tons of events happening all around the world, from marches and rallies to conferences and seminars. These events are a great way to connect with other like-minded people and show your support for women’s rights. Click here to find an event near you.

3. Celebrate the women forging change

Take the time to honor and recognize the amazing women who are making a difference in your community and around the world. These women are using their voices and their actions to fight for gender equality, social justice, and human rights.

4. Elevate Women Creatives

Art and creativity are powerful tools for change, and there are so many talented women out there making amazing art, music, literature, and more. Take some time to discover and support women creatives and help elevate their voices and stories.

5. Advocate for gender equality in your workplace

The workplace can be a challenging environment for women, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re a business owner, manager, or employee, there are things you can do to promote a more inclusive and supportive workplace for women. This can include things like advocating for equal pay, supporting flexible work arrangements, and providing opportunities for women to advance in their careers.

6. Empower women’s choices in health

Women’s health is an important issue that often gets overlooked. Take the time to learn about and support women’s health initiatives, and help empower women to make informed choices about their bodies and their health.

7. Applaud women’s equity in sports

Sports have historically been a male-dominated space, but women have been making huge strides in recent years. Take the time to celebrate and applaud the amazing women athletes who are breaking down barriers and changing the game.

8. #BreakTheBias and #EmbraceEquity: Show your support on social media

Social media can be a powerful tool for change. Use your platform to amplify women’s voices and highlight the issues that matter to you. Use the hashtag #BreakTheBias and #EmbraceEquity to help raise awareness about gender inequality and the need for change.

9. Support women-owned businesses

There are so many amazing women-owned businesses out there, and by supporting them, you can help empower women and promote gender equality. Consider shopping at women-owned businesses, or supporting them through crowdfunding campaigns or other initiatives.

10. Donate to a women’s charity

There are countless organizations that are working to support women and promote gender equality around the world. Consider donating to a women’s charity that resonates with you, and help make a difference in the lives of women and girls.

By taking these actions, we can all help create a more just and equitable world for women. So let’s come together and celebrate International Women’s Day and continue the fight for gender equality and social justice!