International Womens Day - More than a celebration - Call to Action
- I 💗 Early Years
- Mar 8
- 3 min read
“Here’s to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.”
Every year on March 8th, the world pauses to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD)—a day to honour the achievements of women in all areas of life and to reflect on the challenges that remain. But this day isn’t just about celebration—it’s a call to action.
Because gender equality isn’t a women’s issue—it’s a human issue.
So, beyond posting a quote or wearing purple, how can we actively contribute to a world where women and girls can thrive?
Here’s what we can do right now to make a difference.
Educate Yourself & Others
Ignorance fuels inequality. Knowledge disrupts it.
✅ Read about the history of women’s rights.
✅ Learn about gender biases and how they shape society.
✅ Talk to the women in your life—what challenges do they face?
Start here:
Watch a documentary like He Named Me Malala or Miss Representation.
Follow feminist activists, educators, and leaders on social media.
Listen to podcasts that amplify women’s voices (The Guilty Feminist, The Women’s Podcast).
Action Step: Share something new you learned today with someone else!
Challenge Everyday Sexism
Sexism isn’t always obvious. Sometimes, it’s the offhand comments, the double standards, the unequal expectations placed on women and girls.
Notice & call out things like:
❌ "She’s too emotional to lead." (Would we say that about a man?)
❌ "He’s helping with the kids!" (It’s called parenting.)
❌ "Girls aren’t good at math." (Actually, they are.)
Tip: If you hear something sexist, ask a question.
"Why do you think that?"
"Would you say that if it were about a man?"
A simple challenge can make people rethink their words and beliefs.
Support Women-Owned Businesses & Creators
Where we spend our money shapes the world. Supporting women-led businesses, authors, artists, and brands helps close the economic gap.
Try this:
✅ Buy books by female authors.
✅ Shop from women-owned brands.
✅ Hire women in leadership roles.
TAKE ACTION: Tag your favourite women-owned business in the comments and show them some love!
Speak Up in the Workplace
Equality starts at work. Women are still underrepresented in leadership roles, paid less than men, and more likely to be interrupted in meetings.
How to be an ally at work:
✅ Amplify women’s voices – If a woman’s idea gets overlooked, repeat it and give her credit.
✅ Advocate for equal pay – If you’re in a leadership position, push for pay transparency.
✅ Encourage mentorship – Support women climbing the career ladder.
TAKE ACTION: If you're in a meeting this week, make sure a woman’s idea gets heard.
Raise the Next Generation Differently
Want to create lasting change? We need to start with our children.
Teach girls: They are capable, worthy, and have a voice that matters.
Teach boys: Women are their equals, not their caretakers.
🔹 Challenge gender roles early (Boys can play with dolls. Girls can love football.)
🔹 Teach consent and respect from a young age.
🔹 Expose children to female role models in history, STEM, and leadership.
Try this: Next time a child says, "That’s a boy’s/girl’s job," ask: "Why do you think that?" – and start the conversation.
Support Women’s Rights Beyond Today
Women’s Day isn’t just one day—it’s every day.
Ways to make a real impact:
✅ Donate to organisations that fight for women’s rights (Malala Fund, UN Women, Women for Women International).
✅ Volunteer your time to mentor young women.
✅ Vote for policies that promote gender equality.
TAKE ACTION: Pick one cause related to women’s rights and commit to supporting it this year.
A Final Thought: Be the Change You Want to See
International Women’s Day isn’t about just words—it’s about actions. It’s about showing up for the women in your life and for the women you may never meet.
“Because when women rise, we all rise.”
What’s ONE action you’re taking to support women this year?
Sharon X
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