Meaningful Ways for Companies to Celebrate International Women’s Day

Updated March 2024

International Women’s Day is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It is an opportunity to recognize the progress towards gender equality and to rally for further action.

Businesses have a unique opportunity to show their appreciation and support for women by celebrating International Women’s Day in meaningful ways. By donating to organizations that empower women, offering leadership training programs, or simply taking time out acknowledge female staff accomplishments—companies can make this day special for all their employees.

Keep reading to learn more about International Women’s Day, plus find ideas to celebrate in the workplace!

What is International Women’s Day?

International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated annually on March 8th. It was first celebrated in 1911, when more than a million men and women in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland participated in IWD activities. Over the decades, the event has evolved and expanded, with the United Nations finally recognizing IWD in 1975.

In 1996, the UN announced the first theme for IWD, “Celebrating the Past, Planning for the Future.” For 2024, the theme is Inspire Inclusion.

Inspire Inclusion

Here’s what the IWD website says about this year’s theme.

 

When we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, we forge a better world.

And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there’s a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment.

Collectively, let’s forge a more inclusive world for women.

 

Inclusion is one part of the collective values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). Here are a few things we’ve already written about inclusion.

• 8 Tips for Inclusive Holiday Celebrations in the Workplace
• 4 Easy Tips to Write an Inclusive Job Description
• What is Inclusion in the Workplace?

How to Celebrate International Women’s Day at Work

“All IWD activity is valid, that’s what makes IWD inclusive.”

This message is all over the IWD website, reminding people of all genders that there’s more than one way to celebrate IWD. Similarly, companies are free to acknowledge IWD in whatever ways make the most sense for their company culture.

If you’re looking for meaningful ways to celebrate International Women’s Day, here are three ideas.

Donate to Organizations That Empower Women

One way businesses can celebrate International Women’s Day is by donating to nonprofits that help women. For example, two of Insight Global’s charity partners are Girl Scouts and Susan G. Komen.

In addition to corporate donations, you can also host a fundraiser or a clothing drive for a charitable partner. One option is Dress for Success, a global nonprofit with affiliates in 20 countries and 41 US states. This nonprofit provides women with job training, professional clothing, and more.

Post on Social Media

The theme Inspire Inclusion includes a suggested pose for people to use in photos to share online. Why not encourage everyone in the office to join in? Have leadership start by taking photos and posting them on internal or external channels. Write engaging captions about the importance of inclusion, and then challenge team members to take their own photos.

Here are some social media calls-to-action to include:

• Tag a woman who inspires you!
• What does inclusion mean to you? Let us know in the comments!
• What’s one thing you can do to create a more inclusive workplace?

The Inspire Inclusion pose is also a great way for your team to celebrate IWD together. Ask everyone to wear purple, green, and white to the next team meeting, and take a few extra minutes to get a group photo.

Recognize the Accomplishments of Female Employees

Companies should also take time to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of female staff members. This can be done by organizing an event during work hours. Ideas to honor women include:

• Share stories of individual successes.
• Present awards to recognize outstanding work by women.
• Celebrate the achievements of women in the company.

Taking time to recognize the hard work and successes of female employees is an important way to celebrate International Women’s Day.

Final Thoughts on International Women’s Day

IWD is just one day out of the year, but women need support and empowerment year-round. This year, let IWD be the beginning of meaningful change in your workplace.

Make this day special by financially supporting relevant nonprofits, spreading uplifting messages on social media, and celebrating female employees. When International Women’s Day ends, take the next step to create a great workplace for women.

Only by working together with deliberate intention can we make the workplace—and the world—a better place for all genders.

If you need help getting started with DEIB initiatives, our team is ready and eager to assist.