International Women’s Day (IWD) is more than just a date to remember on the calendar—it’s a global celebration of women’s achievements and a call to action for gender equality. Every year on the 8th of March, we come together to recognise all the incredible contributions of every woman in all walks of life, from business and politics to education, science, and the arts.
But IWD isn’t just about recognition, it’s about actively supporting and empowering women. In this blog post we will share how you can contribute to making a real difference, not just on IWD and Women’s Month, but every day.
Here are some meaningful ways to honour, uplift, and support all women this IWD and beyond.
Celebrate the Women in Your Life
One of the simplest yet most powerful ways to celebrate IWD is by showing appreciation and recognition for all the women who inspire you. Your mother, sister, friend, colleague, or mentor, every one of them deserves to be acknowledged for their strength, hard work, and resilience.
Simple ways to celebrate:
- Write a heartfelt note or letter of appreciation for them.
- Send a thoughtful gift, like a book written by an inspiring female author or a Women’s Day hamper.
- Simply say, “Thank you for everything you do.” Sometimes, words of encouragement mean the most.
Support Women-owned Businesses
If you have a female family or friends with businesses, you can also empower them by supporting their businesses. Whether it’s a local artisan, a woman-led start-up, or an independent online shop, your support will help them grow their businesses and achieve financial independence.
How to support:
- Shop from women-led brands and businesses.
- If they have an online craft shop, share their work on social media and leave positive reviews.
- You can also recommend them to friends and family. This will help their businesses get recognised by a wider audience.
Even these small gestures can make a big impact on gender equality in the business world.
Amplify Women’s Voices
Female representation matters in this world. Women’s voices, stories, and perspectives deserve to be heard and valued across all spaces, be it in boardrooms, classrooms, or the media. Making space for women’s voices and experiences will create a more inclusive and balanced world.
Ways to amplify women’s voices:
- Read and share books, blogs, and articles written by women.
- Support female speakers and panellists at conferences.
- Encourage women to share their ideas openly in any meetings and discussions.
Educate Yourself on Gender Equality Issues
Real empowerment begins with understanding the challenges every woman faces in daily living. Even today, the gender pay gap, workplace discrimination and inequalities still exist. So, understanding these issues is the first step towards change.
How to educate yourself:
- Watch documentaries on gender equality.
- Read books by inspiring women.
- Follow women’s rights organisations and activists on social media.
Donate to Women’s Causes
Many organisations work tirelessly to support women’s rights, education, health, and safety worldwide. Donating to these causes can make a real impact on the lives of women and girls. Donations aren’t just monetary, you can also offer your time by volunteering or spreading awareness about their work.
Challenge Gender Stereotypes and Biases
Gender stereotypes are still common today and these hold women back from reaching their full potential. Challenging these biases is essential to make the stereotyping stop.
How to take action:
- Call out sexist remarks or attitudes when you see them.
- Encourage young girls to pursue careers in STEM, sports, and leadership roles.
- Support policies that promote gender equality in schools and workplaces.
Remember, every conversation and action, no matter how small, helps shift societal views and break down barriers.
Make Self-Care and Mental Health a Priority
Empowerment isn’t just about external support—it’s also about taking care of yourself. Many women juggle multiple responsibilities, often putting their own well-being last. This IWD, encourage yourself and the women around you to prioritise self-care and mental health.
Ways to practise self-care:
- Learn when to rest and recharge.
- Meditate.
- Say “no” to things that drain your energy.
- Surround yourself with uplifting and supportive people.
Women’s Day is Every Day
IWD is a time to celebrate, honour, and support women—but true change happens when we carry this energy around the year not just on the 8th of March. Whether it’s through small gestures/actions every day or larger efforts for gender equality and empowerment movement, we all have a role to play in creating a world where women are truly appreciated, recognised and belong.