How to Celebrate International Women's Day 2024
International Women's Day (IWD) celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. Recognized annually on March 8th, it's a day to reflect on the progress made, to call for change, and to wonderfully celebrate acts of courage and determination by women.
In this blog, we will talk about some of the things we can do to celebrate International Women's Day 2024 in meaningful and impactful ways.
Understanding the Significance
Before diving into celebrations, it's crucial to understand the significance of International Women's Day. It's a day to celebrate the women in your life personally. And it is also a day to acknowledge and push forward the movement for women's rights and gender equality worldwide. It's about recognizing the struggles women have faced and continue to face and the strides they've made in various fields, from science and politics to arts and social movements.
International Women's Day 2024 Theme
The theme for International Women's Day 2024 is "Inspire Inclusion." This theme encourages us to inspire others to understand and value the importance of including women in all aspects of society, fostering a more inclusive world for everyone. When women are inspired to be included, they experience a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment, which collectively contributes to a more equitable and just world​​.
Celebrating with Purpose
1. Educate and Raise Awareness
The most important thing: One of the most powerful ways to celebrate International Women's Day is by educating yourself and others about the issues facing women globally. This can involve hosting or participating in workshops, watching documentaries, or reading books and articles about women's rights, challenges, and achievements. Raising awareness can also mean engaging in conversations with loved ones, friends, family, and colleagues about the importance of gender equality and what everyone can do to contribute to this goal.
2. Support Women-Owned Businesses
Make a conscious effort to support women-owned businesses on International Womens Day—and beyond. This can be as simple as buying from local women artisans, choosing restaurants or cafes owned by women, or shopping from online platforms that promote women entrepreneurs. Supporting women-owned businesses helps to empower women economically and strengthens communities.
3. Participate in Events
Many cities host marches, lectures, exhibitions, and other events to commemorate International Women's Day. Participating in these wonderful events can be a powerful way to stand in solidarity with women worldwide. It's also an excellent and amazing opportunity to meet like-minded individuals who are committed to gender equality and to learn more in deep about the issues women face locally and globally.
4. Advocate for Change
Use International Women's Day as an opportunity to advocate for change. This can involve volunteering for organizations that work towards women's rights. Advocacy can also be as simple as using your voice on social media platforms to highlight the day's significance and the ongoing struggles women face.
5. Women's Day Gifts
Selecting Women's Day gifts is a meaningful way to express appreciation and support for the women in your life. Consider gifts that have deeper meaning or contribute to empowerment:
- Books by Women Authors: Choose books that tell compelling stories of women's lives, struggles, and triumphs or non-fiction works that delve into issues of feminism and gender equality.
- Donations in Their Name: Make a donation to a women's charity or organization in the name of the women you're honouring. This gift contributes to the broader fight for women's rights and shows a commitment to making a difference.
- Empowerment Workshops: Gift an experience that promotes personal or professional growth, such as workshops on leadership, public speaking, or a new skill they've been wanting to learn.
- Artisanal Crafts: Purchase gifts from women artisans, particularly those from marginalized communities, to support their craftsmanship and livelihood.
- Personalized Gifts: Custom-made gifts that celebrate the recipient's achievements or remind them of their strength and resilience can be particularly meaningful.
Reflect and Commit to Personal Action
International Women's Day is also a time for personal reflection. Consider how you can contribute to gender equality in your daily life. This might involve challenging sexist remarks, mentoring young women, promoting a more inclusive workplace, or simply making a conscious effort to listen to and amplify women's voices. Committing to personal action can lead to significant changes in your community and beyond.
Wrapping Words:
International Women's Day 2024 is more than a day to celebrate; it's an opportunity to actively participate in the global movement towards gender equality. You can honour this important day in a way that contributes to lasting progress. Remember, every action, no matter how small, can make a difference in the fight for a more equitable world.
