8 Ways To Celebrate International Women’s Day
On March 8th, International Women’s Day is a day to recognize the accomplishments, the struggles, the biases, and the cultural strides women have experienced and that are still occurring around the globe. It is also a reminder of the fight for gender equality and women's rights. Over decades, women have overcome numerous economic, political, cultural, and social obstacles, and these achievements should be honored.
Now, International Women’s Day is celebrated all over the world and is a day dedicated to the powerhouse of womanhood. The gender divide still exists, and there is more work that needs to be done on all levels, but getting involved with International Women’s Day is just a small part of that work.
History of International Women’s Day
Women started to fight for their rights in the mid-1800s and started with Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott when they gathered hundreds for the first women’s rights convention. However, the very first Women’s Day celebration was observed in the United States on February 23, 1909, and was originally called “National Women’s Day.” Women united together to protest against poor working conditions.
Following this protest, from 1910 to 1920, women’s rights movements began to grow all over the world, especially in Europe. Between 1913-1915, countries like Denmark and Russia established a specific "Women’s Day" to honor the fight for women’s rights and actively support suffrage all over the world. Finally, in 1975, the United Nations established March 8th as International Women’s Day.
““We can all choose to challenge and call out gender bias and inequality. We can all choose to seek out and celebrate women’s achievements. Collectively, we can all help create an inclusive world.” ”
8 Ways to Get Involved With International Women’s Day
Attend an IWD Webinar & #iNSPIREINCLUSION
The official International Women’s Day (IWD) organization set a theme for this year’s campaign: #INSPIREINCLUSION. On their website, it elaborates on the hashtag, “Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women's equality. Collectively we can all #InspireIncusion.”
The website lists numerous events based on the country and city with various virtual and in-person options. It is a time for women to help uplift other women as a community. Events are available throughout the entire month. You can participate in a free dance class, listen to a panel, or even register for a community bike ride.
Donate to Women’s Charities or Organizations Near You
Donating and showing support for a women’s charity or organization is a helpful way to honor International Women’s Day. There are so many to choose from and here are three to start with:
Women for Women International
Women for Women International invests in women survivors affected by war and conflict. They have been around for over 25 years and help women in countries such as Afghanistan, the Republic of Congo, and South Sudan. They organize programs and provide resources to help these women gain tangible work skills and more knowledge to be successful. More importantly, Women for Women International helps its participants pave new lives for themselves and for generations to come.
Running Start
Running Start is a non-profit organization based in the United States that trains young women to run for public office. They offer 100 training programs each year to high school students and college students–at least half of which are women of color. More female leaders are essential to gender equality, and it is exciting to see it happen through Running Start.
Planned Parenthood
Planned Parenthood has been around for over 100 years and is the largest provider of reproductive health services. In a single year, they assist around 3 million women by receiving affordable birth control, emergency contraception, breast and cervical exams, abortion, and so much more. They are a key player in continuously taking a stand for women and fighting for reproductive rights. Planned Parenthood prioritizes that women should make their own decisions for their bodies.
Again, there are hundreds of charities to donate to and assist. You can choose one that is local, national, or international, but most importantly, find an organization that aligns with how you want to support women.
Volunteer and Help Women In Your Community
Think locally by researching organizations that need volunteers. Some places to consider are: homeless shelters, women’s shelters, Girl’s Inc., or (if you’re still close to your hometown) go to your elementary school or high school. There could already be an International Women’s Day event taking place or maybe this is your opportunity to host one!
Research Women’s Issues & Raise Awareness
This can be done all year, but taking some extra time on March 8th (or throughout the month of March) to educate yourself on women’s issues is a simple way to get involved with International Women’s Day. You can look into topics such as women’s health, women who have impacted our world, female creatives, women empowerment, and women in sports. Throughout your research, you can raise awareness within yourself and share that knowledge with others.
Buy & Read Books about Women & Feminist Literature
Reading books about women is another easy way to get involved with this special day. If you like reading, this can be an enjoyable way to learn more about other women and their unique female experience. A few female authors to consider for inspirational female literature are: Maya Angelou, bell hooks, Roxane Gay, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
Send Kind Notes To The Special Women In Your Life
If you are still unsure of where to start, reach out to the beautiful, strong, and talented women in your life and share how you value them with a kind note. Send it as a text, email, or hand-written letter–the latter will be the most memorable! This is an easy way to celebrate International Women’s Day but can also have a lasting, positive impact.
Support A Female Owned Businesses Near You
The pandemic has motivated people to be creative, and more small businesses are opening up, especially by women. With the help of Google and even through word-of-mouth, you can find your new favorite female-owned business in your area. This can be a restaurant, a yoga studio, a bakery, or a craft shop because, in reality, the possibilities are endless! You can even look on Instagram and TikTok to discover more unique brands owned by women. Buying a service or an item from a female-owned business is a win-win for you and female entrepreneurs.
Get Together With The Inspiring Women In Your Life
Women are worth being celebrated every day, but if International Women’s Day gives you more of a reason to do it, at Swift Wellness we all say: Go for it! Take your work BFF out for coffee, go out to brunch with your best girls and celebrate each other’s wins (professional or not), or make dinner for your mom, sister, or other family member. These acts of celebration are simple ways to enjoy International Women’s Day with the women you care about most.
International Women’s Day is a celebration! Every person is invited to raise awareness and to get involved with fighting against gender inequality. To be successful and to create a more inclusive world, it needs to be a collective effort. From this list, it is clear to see that there is no one way to get involved with International Women’s Day, so pick what works best for you. Whatever way you decide to get involved, let it be a reminder women will keep fighting and will continue to claim their space in this world.
