Celebrated annually on March 8, International Women's Day commemorates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women around the world. Added to that, the day inspires people to promote gender equality in all areas of their lives.
There isn't one group, organization, institution or voice that owns International Women's Day. It's a welcoming collective that doesn't see any act of celebration too big or small.
Here are seven ways to celebrate the day and support the mission:
1. Strike the #BalanceforBetter pose
Show your support for this year's campaign by having someone snap a photo of you in the "hands out" balance pose. Share the pic on social media to get your followers hyped about International Women's Day, too. Don't forget the hashtags: #IWD2019 and #BalanceforBetter.
2. Attend the events
There are endless International Women's Day events happening worldwide. Concerts, conferences, fun runs, festivals and many other festivities make it easy for you to get involved.
3. Celebrate the ladies in your life
Show the women you admire - or at the very least one or two - some extra love and appreciation. Shoot them a text, send them flowers, treat them to sweet indulgences, take them to lunch or support their latest endeavor, reminding them how amazing you think they are.
4. Seek out women-owned businesses
Find the local storefronts and major companies that are run by women - especially those that value the goals and ideas behind International Women's Day. Those are the businesses to support now and in the future.
5. Support women artists
There's no better day to indulge in the fabulous content created by talented ladies. Pick up a book written by a female author, check out an art exhibit featuring women artists and have an International Women's Day Spotify playlist on repeat all day long. Plus, you can support the women artists in your life by buying their work and sharing it with others.
6. Lead your own #BalanceforBetter campaign
Reach the people in your community, network, organization or group by running your own International Women's Day campaign or event. Check out this step-by-step list from IWD for help organizing your efforts.
7. Keep going
The #BalanceforBetter campaign runs all year - not just on International Women's Day. Do your part to build a gender-balanced world today and every day.
Here's to the incredible women in all of our lives. Happy International Women's Day!
