Tomorrow is International Women’s Day, which just so happens to be one of my favorite days of the year. It’s a day where we can celebrate all of the incredible achievements of women throughout the world. It is also a reminder of how far there is still to go. In today’s modern world, there is a growing recognition that women’s rights affect us all and how important female representation truly is.
So how can you celebrate Internation Women’s Day both in the workplace and on a personal level? Here are some of our recommendations.
1. Celebrate women’s voices & work
One of the best and easiest ways to honor International Women’s Day is to celebrate the work of the women you love. Retweet content from your favorite creators, shoutout your favorite female authors – the possibilities are endless. Just do what you can to raise awareness of the female talent that already exists.
For example, I just finished Black is the Body by Emily Bernard and it is arguably the best and most important book I have read all year long. I highly recommend it to everyone and if you’re looking for an inspirational and empowering read to start on International Women’s Day, this is it.
2. Use social media
As a social media manager, this is obviously going to be one of my first recommendations. I think it is especially important for brands to be active and using their voice on IWD. We have no problem posting for National Pizza Day – why not International Women’s Day? There are countless ways for your brand to get active tomorrow. You could post about the incredible women in your office, you could post an empowering female quote that aligns with your brand’s mission, and so much more. The possibilities are endless!
Make sure you are also using the proper hashtag when you post, which is #InternationalWomensDay. In 2017 that hashtag had a reach of over 2.6 billion. Pretty incredible, right?
3. Donate
Whether you’re giving of your money or your time, there is no wrong way to donate on IWD! Consider researching some local women’s organizations near you and give back! One of my favorite women’s organizations is Mutual Ground, a domestic violence shelter right in my hometown. Approximately 85% of all domestic violence victims are female, so it is especially important that we support organizations like Mutual Ground.
4. Support women-owned businesses
At Gossip Genie, not only do we have the pleasure of working for a woman-owned business, but we have worked with a number of them as well! Did you know that these companies generate around $1.7 trillion in sales each year? And businesses owned by women of color generate around $361 billion. When you support a woman-owned business, not only are you increasing the economic stability of our families and communities, but you’re also helping shape the way young girls see themselves. When we provide women with the opportunity to grow, they become empowered leaders within our community. What’s not to love about that?
(One of my favorite woman-owned businesses – no bias.)
5. Educate yourself
There are countless ways to educate yourself on IWD. You can learn about the history behind the date, you can read up on the achievements of women around the world, or you can educate yourself on some of the current struggles faced by women around the world. Brush up on your knowledge – learn the difference between women and womxn, read up about a woman who inspires you – the possibilities are endless. Knowledge is power, especially on a day as important as IWD!
How do you plan to honor the women in your life tomorrow?
“To all the little girls who are watching, never doubt that you are valuable and powerful and deserving of every chance and opportunity in the world to pursue and achieve your own dreams.” —Hillary Clinton in her 2016 concession speech
