10 Ways Your Business Can Celebrate International Women's Day in 2023

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 International Women's Day has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s, when women worldwide began organizing and advocating for their rights. It was officially recognized by the United Nations in 1975, and it has since become an annual event celebrated by people of all genders in countries around the world.

If you’re wondering how your business can honour women's social, economic, cultural, and political achievements, use our blog for inspiration on ways to celebrate at work. 

What is International Women’s Day?

International Women’s Day has been celebrated for over 100 years, and it has become an important annual event for people of all genders to come together and support gender equality. The event takes place annually on March 8th to celebrate the achievements and progress made by women worldwide, and to raise awareness about the challenges and issues women face. 

One of the most important ways to celebrate International Women's Day is to educate yourself and others about the history and significance of the holiday. 

#EmbraceEquity

The 2023 campaign theme for IWD is Embrace Equity. The day is a reminder to seek diversity, inclusion and equity by calling out and challenging stereotypes and gender discrimination. Collective activism is what drives change. 

You can actively support and embrace equity within your own sphere of influence. InternationalWomansDay.com is asking people to strike the #EmbraceEquity pose this year and share on your social channels and use #IWD2023 and #EmbraceEquity to encourage others to do the same.

Ways to Celebrate International Women’s Day

There is no one right way to celebrate. All efforts advancing women's equality are welcome and should be respected. 

Donate to a cause that supports women and girls

This could be a local shelter for women and children, a global organization working to promote women's rights or a campaign to raise awareness about a specific issue affecting women. 

The charities of choice from the IWD website are: 

Look for an organization that aligns with your values and consider making a donation to support their work.

Host an event or activity 

Hosting an event can be as big or small as you like. Collective action is all that’s needed. The International Women’s Day site has a list of activities as inspiration: 

  • Holding an event (digital or hybrid)
  • Launching a project or initiative
  • Delivering female-focused activity
  • Activating a marketing campaign
  • Developing resources
  • Conducting research
  • Running a social media campaign
  • Making a video
  • Speaking at a local school
  • Collaborating with the media

Think about what would be most impactful at your workplace!

Attend an International Women's Day event or rally

You can find International Women’s Day marches, talks, and workshops in many cities and communities worldwide. These are great opportunities to learn more about the issues facing women and girls and show your support for gender equality.

You can search for International Women’s Day events here. 

Share your appreciation for the women in your life

Whether it's sending a message of thanks to a colleague or friend, or simply telling the women in your life how much they mean to you, expressing your gratitude is a meaningful way to celebrate International Women's Day.

Support women-owned businesses

On International Women's Day and every day, consider supporting women-owned businesses. This could be anything from a small boutique to a large corporation, and it's a great way to show your support for women in the business world.

If you are local to Manitoba, the Women’s Enterprise Centre has a directory of women-owned businesses that you can find here. 

Volunteer your time

Many organizations that support women and girls rely on volunteers to help them achieve their goals. Consider offering your time and skills to help out with a cause that's important to you. 

Wear purple, green or white

These are the official colours of International Women's Day, and wearing them on the holiday is a simple way to show your support for women's rights. 

Purple signifies justice and dignity, green symbolizes hope, and white represents purity.

Start a conversation

Use International Women's Day as an opportunity to start a conversation about gender equality and women's rights. Talk to your friends, family, and colleagues about the issues that matter to you and listen to their perspectives.

Take action

International Women's Day is a day of action, so consider what you can do to make a difference in the lives of women and girls. This could be anything from advocating for a policy change to organizing a fundraiser to supporting a campaign.

Share your example

An easy way to share is by posting on your social media pages. If you aren’t sure what to post, you can download IWD2023 social media templates here. Or use your platforms to share positive and inspiring messages about women and gender equality. Make sure to use #IWD2023 #EmbraceEquity. 

No matter how you choose to celebrate International Women's Day, the most important thing is to recognize and appreciate the contributions of women everywhere. Whether you take part in a large event or simply show your support in your own way, every little bit helps to create a more equal and fair world for women and girls.

For more information and resources on International Women’s Day, visit their website here.

Tags: International Women's Day 2023 IWD 2023