08 March 2021

Held on 8 March each year, International Women’s Day is a global celebration of women’s rights and a call for gender equality. Here are 5 ways you can take part in the celebrations this year.

2:00 Min

1. Show your support on social media

This year’s official International Women’s Day theme is #ChooseToChallenge. It’s a call to challenge the status quo and help create a more inclusive world by taking action for equality. The theme encourages us to call out gender bias and celebrate women's achievements.

 

One simple, yet impactful, way to celebrate International Women’s Day and show your commitment to challenging inequality is to take part in the #ChooseToChallenge social media campaign. Take a photo of yourself with your hand held high and share it on your preferred social media platform(s) using the hashtags #ChooseToChallenge and #IWD2021. 

 

2. Make it all inclusive

Although Women’s Day is a celebration of women the campaign encourages people of all gender identities to get involved and become advocates for gender parity. It makes a difference; according to a Harvard Business Review article, when men are deliberately engaged in gender inclusion programmes, 96% of organisations see progress — compared to only 30% of organisations where men are not engaged. So, it makes sense to invite everyone to International Women’s Day activities, and encourage all of your friends and teammates, regardless of their gender, to participate and champion gender equality together.

 

3. Set up a (virtual) coffee

Talking about a subject is often the simplest way to raise awareness and highlight unconscious bias around gender. So, why not invite an inspirational woman in your network to share a “virtual coffee” and ask them about their experiences of overcoming workplace bias, women in leadership and what they think it might take to achieve gender parity.

 

4. Accomplish a personal goal

There is no better way to celebrate the strength of your womanhood than accomplishing a goal. Is there a seemingly daunting task you’ve been putting off? Whether it seems trivial or momentous let your triumph be your gift to the world this International Women’s Day.

 

5. Acknowledge the women in your life

Simple words of encouragement and love can go a long way to lift someone’s spirits and inspire them to keep going. Whether it’s your mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, girlfriend, or friend – why not send them a text, give them a call or jump on Facetime to let them know how great they are and why they are important to you.