This year International Women’s Week falls from March 4-7, 2023, with International Women’s Day being March 8. The week celebrates women and their role in society as well as how far women’s equality and the fight for it has come. When society celebrates women, they become empowered and strengthened, enabling them to create their own identities. Keep reading for 5 ways to celebrate International Women’s Week this year.
The History Of International Women’s Week
Beginning in the early 1900s, International Women’s Week started during widespread protests across Europe, particularly in Russia, against the discrimination of women. These protests pertain to various aspects of social life, such as remuneration, voting rights, and the like.
Today International Women’s Week endeavors to spread awareness of five critical aspects of women’s lives. These include creating and enjoying happy relationships, self-knowledge, leadership development dealing with sexual and interpersonal violence, and forming a positive self-image.
Just imagine a completely gender equal world. A world that is free of stereotypes, bias, and discrimination. Or a world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive, that is what International Women’s Week strives to achieve. If you’re asking yourself how to celebrate International Women’s Week this year, you’ve come to the right place. Here are 5 ways to celebrate International Women’s Week in 2023.
5 Things To Do For International Women’s Week
1. Participate and Join In The International Women’s Week #EmbraceEquality Campaign
In 2022, the International Women’s Day theme was #BreakTheBias, and this year’s theme is #EmbraceEquality. This call to action is meant to celebrate women forging ahead for change, elevate visibility for women creatives, and build a workspace where women thrive.
Although simple, this impactful way to celebrate International Women’s Day is to show your commitment to challenging inequality by participating in the #EmbraceEquality social campaign. For example, please take a picture of you crossing your hands in an X and share it on your social media using #EmbraceEquality and #IWD2023.
2. Support Female Owned Small Businesses
Supporting small businesses owned and operated by women helps to equal economic empowerment, women’s products and services, and a more prosperous economy overall. Plus, supporting small businesses is always a good idea!
This International Women’s Day, vote with your dollar by seeking and supporting local women-owned businesses. You can even share your support for the small business challenge with your friends and family encouraging them to do the same!
If you find yourself wondering how to support women’s entrepreneurial spirit, purchase clothing from their brands, eat at their dining establishments or even give a shout-out to their businesses on your social media.
3. Donate To Women’s Charities
To make a significant difference to a worthy cause, consider donating to a charitable organization that supports women locally or globally.
If you want to donate, here are a few organizations doing incredible work for gender equality and women’s rights…
● Women for Women International is incredible because they fund women survivors of war and conflict, connecting them to resources and support to realize their power.
● Dress for Success is a not-for-profit organization that revolves around economic independence. Empowering women by providing professional attire, a network of support, and the development tools to help women thrive in work and life.
● Care works to end poverty by eradicating inequality and advocating for equal rights for all women globally. Women are also vital to CARE’s community-based efforts to increase access to quality health care, improve basic education, iand expand economic opportunity for all.
4. Send A Message Of Appreciation To The Female In Your Life
Life moves pretty fast, and it’s easy to forget to stop and thank those who have helped you jump through life’s hurdles, offered kind and wise words, or picked up our slack. So take some time during International Women’s Week or on International Women’s Day to write a message of gratitude to those women in your life. This can be coworkers, friends, or family members that have inspired any part of your daily life.
Emphasize the contributions they’ve made to your life while still actively working to accomplish their personal goals. Often, words of encouragement and love can go a long way in lifting someone’s spirit and inspiring them. Whether it’s your grandmother, mother, sister, daughter, girlfriend, or friend, send a text, call, or even Facetime a significant woman in your life, to let them know how amazing they are during International Women’s Week.
5. Host Or Attend An Online Panel
Sometimes hearing women share their experiences, knowledge, and advice is one of the best ways to get inspired to make changes in your own life. There are tons of significant virtual events planned for International Women’s Day and International Women’s Week each year.
As you figure out how you will celebrate in 2023, research some exciting women’s events in your community and encourage your family, friends, or team to register with you. Here are a few examples…
● Virtual International Women’s Day 2023: Embrace Equity
● A Celebration of Apprenticeships Ahead of International Women’s Day
● Spoken Word / Poetry – International Women’s Day
● International Women’s Day Summit
● International Women’s Day, with Davina McCall and more
Bonus: Involve The Kids – Teaching Gender Equality
If you’ve got little ones at home, as parents, starting early promoting gender equality as a priority and providing equal opportunities for all children is essential. Striving for gender balance and representation in toys, activities, books, and movies for families can make a huge difference.
Doing your part to help all children feel strong, compassionate, creative, and determined regardless of where they fall on the gender spectrum. Parents can focus on imagination, curiosity, kindness, and adventure for all children, irrespective of gender. Celebrating International Women’s Week with your kids can include fun arts and crafts and virtual STEM events celebrating women in STEM.
No matter how you celebrate International Women’s Week or International Women’s Day, you’re sure to inspire change. Doing any of these things brings awareness to women’s struggles, helps to inspire change in gender equality, and empowers women. Happy International Women’s Week!
