With International Women's Day on 8 March 2021 it's important to have a think about how you and your company will be celebrating. Here are some ideas that have worked really well for companies in the past and might be things that you haven't considered before and also to bust some myths and obstacles you might come up against when planning your party!
Why celebrate International Women’s Day?
The whole point of IWD is to celebrate all things female. This includes everything from celebrating women's achievements to raising awareness about gender parity, developing female leadership and supporting those charities and others that work on female focused activities.
Did you know that It has been going for 110 years since 1911 when the first National Woman's Day (NWD) and gathering happened in the United States. This was on the back of the 15k women who marched in 1908 through new york city demanding fair pay and equal rights. Copenhagen followed in 1910 with the first conference for working women.
The 8th March became a fixed date from 1914 and it was that year women marched from Bow to Trafalgar Square in London. There is more information on the history of IWD in a comprehensive timeline you can read on the IWD website. If you are interested in brushing up on your history check it out HERE.
Busting Myths Around International Women’s Day
There are a few myths that surround this special day and I thought this would be a great opportunity to bust them. And at the same time give you some ammunition if you come up against any obstacles when wanting to mark International Women’s Day at work.
1. Ticked it off the list - job done!
The first is that if you do one thing on the day then you’ve sorted it for that year. On the whole it's a great start. However Gender Equity is not only a once a year tick box exercise - please don't think for a moment that if you have organised something to celebrate the women in your organisation then that's it job done. It is an ongoing process and one which must be considered every day in all areas of the business. Something that will one day become a default and won't have to be talked about because it will be the norm.
2. It’s only a women’s issue!
The second is that It's only a women's issue - this couldn't be further from the truth. Male allyship is absolutely crucial and this isn't about men being put on a pedestal and giving special treatment for being an ally. It's about them standing by women, being more than performative allies and supporting them everyday.
3. We don't need a day to celebrate women.
The third myth is that we don't need this day anymore. Until there is equity for all then we still need awareness days to do exactly that - raise awareness. People may ask if there is still a need for IWD and of course there is - whilst there is inequality then there is still work to do.
12 Ways to Celebrate IWD
Here are 12 different, interesting and fun ways that you and your company recognise this day. I have also taken into account that we are in a global pandemic right now and these things that I will share can all be done virtually!
Personally acknowledge and thank female employees; through a personalised note or card to organising internal networking sessions so that they connect with other women in the company - more important than ever right now whilst in lockdown and working remotely.
Get social and show your support and solidarity online - give some awesome women a shout out and surprise them or share amazing work that women are doing to make a difference for others. You can even join the movement and take a selfie with one hand in the air as part of this years theme and tag #ChooseToChallenge #IWD2021
Review current policies in the organisation - are they fit for purpose or really outdated? Create a steering group to keep on top of it.
Host an online event that celebrates the women in your company and maybe get some to share their stories to inspire others.
Invest in training, workshops and lunch and learn sessions to support women in areas that they feel they need to know more about and this can also include sessions for the men to support them to better support women and be the male allies needed at work - The Harvard Business Review found there is 96% more progress when men are actively involved in gender parity initiatives at work.
Support charities that are focused on female activities or female led businesses. Showcase your support. You could even do something as dramatic as running a marathon or some other challenge that could help you raise awareness and essential funds for these charities. You could do a group challenge through work.
Organise a speed mentoring session with different leads / senior managers within your organisation - so that women can access time and pick the brains of those that inspire them and build those important stakeholder relationships.
Create an inclusive video of the women at work asking them what they would ‘choose to challenge’ within the workplace or with the current juggle that they are experiencing.
Host an award ceremony recognising and rewarding incredible women for doing their job.
Facilitate internal networking events for women to build relationships, share experiences and increase the support for everyone.
Share different literature and resources around female empowerment and female leadership that maybe others cannot readily access.
And don't forget to recognise the awesome women in your life - a few words of acknowledgement and thanks can go a long way.