Who runs the world? Girls! March 8 is International Women’s Day, which celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women throughout history. It all started in New York City 1857, when female textile workers marched in protest of unfair working conditions and unequal rights for women. Again, in 1908, women took to the streets to protest child labor and sweatshops while demanding women’s suffrage. The first IWD was celebrated on March 8, 1910, Women’s History Week was implemented in 1978, and was extended to the month of March in 1987.
While we have made great strides for gender equality, the rights of women still remain under attack around the world. In Afghanistan, the Taliban has banned women from secondary school and university. In Iran, women are demanding the end of the hijab requirement as well as the Islamic Republic after the murder of Mahsa Amini. And, in the United States, the reproductive rights of women and people with uteruses are vulnerable, with 24 states banning abortion and many others restricting access.
It’s imperative that we not only celebrate on March 8, but also take this time to raise awareness for the struggles of women worldwide, so we can see true gender equality in our lifetime.
- Volunteer at a women’s shelter.
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Sometimes the best way to give back is through your time, and local women’s shelters could always use some helping hands. On IWD, grab your friends and donate feminine products, clothes, and other useful materials to your local women’s shelter. However, most importantly, offer love, support, and a listening ear to survivors.
- Arrange virtual coffee with a mentor.
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This year’s Women’s History Month theme is all about embracing equality and what better way to #EmbraceEquality than meeting up IRL (or virtually) with a woman that inspires you? Sign up for World Pulse, a site that connects like-minded women together to create change, or shoot someone an email asking to meet up… what’s the worst that could happen?!
- Send flowers to an underappreciated woman.
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We’ve all had days where we feel invisible, take today to send flowers to a woman who may be going through it. Whether it’s to your mom, boss, BFF, sister, random co-worker, nail tech, or local grocery store clerk, you can make someone’s day by letting them know you’re thinking about them.
- Shop at a local woman-owned business.
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If you’re anything like me and a bit of a shop-a-holic, pay a visit to a local woman-owned business. Now you can support women in your community and get your fix of retail therapy. Bonus points if you ask the owner what inspired her to start her own business and the most challenging and rewarding thing that’s come from it.
- Join a women’s intramural team.
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This is for all the sporty gals out there. It’s time to text your besties, work colleagues, cousins, and that random girl you met that one night out and set up an intramural team at your college or local YMCA. Show the boys what you’re made of and have fun and get fit while doing it!
- Host a girl’s night.
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Who doesn’t love a good girl’s night? Plus, I’m sure you’ve been meaning to put something on the calendar for you and your besties for a while now. In between sips of rosé, and rounds of For The Girls, discuss what you all are going to #EmbraceEquality this IWD.
- Pick up a new, educational book.
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I know at least a handful of you had “read more” as a new years resolution. This can also be a great way to not only learn, but empower yourself this Women’s History Month. My pick? If you want to support a black author and are into essay-style writing check out We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
Amazon, $9
- Watch A feminist film.
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Okay so you’re not a book girlie, I get it. I got you covered! Feminist films are a great way to learn new things as well, plus a fantastic excuse to indulge in some of your favorite yummy snacks. This could also be a great additional activity if you’re planning on throwing a girl’s night. So grab some popcorn, dim the lights, burrito yourself in a fuzzy blanket, and cuddle up with your besties, fur baby, or SO and learn something new!
- Attend an IWD event.
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Did you know there is a whole website dedicated to events going on all around the world? From protests to speed networking coffee dates to virtual info sessions, all you need to do is enter your location and find something that piques your interest!
- Donate, donate, donate.
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No matter how much you can give, donating is a wonderful way to make a difference in a cause you cannot physically get involved with. Set an example for your friends and pick a couple charities to donate your spare change or coffee money to this March.
World Association of Girl Guides & Girl Scouts
World Association of Girl Guides & Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) is the largest international youth movement dedicated to girls and young women, supporting over 10 million girls across 152 countries.
Catalyst
Catalyst is a global nonprofit working with companies around the world to build workplaces that work for women. They’re a trusted resource for knowledge on gender, leadership and inclusive talent management.
Equality Now
Equality Now helps create a just world where women and girls have the same rights as men and boys by tackling difficult issues, challenging ingrained cultural assumptions, calling out inequality, and using the power of the law to create enduring equality.
Nomi Network
Nomi Network helps to combat human trafficking by creating pathways to safe employment and empowering women and girls to break cycles of slavery in their families and communities.
Dress for Success
Dress For Success empowers women across the world to achieve economic independence via a network of support, professional attire, and tools to help them thrive in work and life. Consider donating an hour of pay to empower a woman to change her future via Your Hour Her Power.
Womankind Worldwide
Womankind Worldwide supports women’s rights organizations and movements to secure equal rights for women and girls so they can live without fear of violence, have a say in decisions that impact them, and control their own life.
