International Women’s Day is on March 8, and this year’s theme is #BeBoldForChange. This day is a worthwhile opportunity to stand in solidarity with women across the globe in a united mission to promote equality worldwide. If you’re looking for ways to get involved in #IWD2017 and in the days that follow, here are six wonderful ways to support your fellow women and challenge yourself to be the change we want to see in the world.
1. Attend an #IWD2016 Event
If you have free time on March 8, check out the events happening in your city in honor of International Women’s Day on the day’s official website. Events range from rallies, professional conferences, networking events, special concerts, and more. Getting out to participate is an excellent way to show your support and spread awareness for women’s rights on a day when the entire world is observing.
2. Donate to a Cause
A quick and meaningful way to show your support is to donate to a female-focused cause that is important to you. Organizations like Planned Parenthood, ACLU, NOW, and WAGGGS are always in need of financial support, and if you’ve been holding off on donating, this is a perfect day to do it. It doesn’t have to be a lot; you can simply forgo your $5 latte for one day in exchange for the knowledge that even a small contribution will help to improve women’s lives.
3. Volunteer with Local Organizations
If you’re someone who is looking for more hands-on involvement, consider volunteering on International Women’s Day with a local non-profit that focuses on women. Let it serve as a springboard to making a more regular commitment to volunteer on a monthly or even weekly basis. Need help finding the right organization for you? Check out sites like Volunteer Match to discover the perfect opportunity.
4. Support Female-Owned Enterprises
International Women’s Day is a great excuse to go shopping for a cause. Use the day as an opportunity to check out local businesses run by women or support small enterprises by women in developing countries. You can even take it a step further and seek out female-owned businesses that are also plant-based and cruelty-free!
5. Create a Community
Let International Women’s Day inspire you to make new friends or create a stronger bond with women already in your life by forming a small “sister circle” based on something that interests you. Try following a structured model like the popular Lean In Circles or a classic book club such as Emma Watson’s Goodreads group Our Shared Shelf or branch out with something more creative like a painting or meditation group. The possibilities are endless!
6. Share Stories
One of the best ways to be an advocate for women everywhere is to keep the conversation going through the art of storytelling. Listen to female-focused podcasts, visit women’s blogs, and read powerful stories written by women of both the past and present. Challenge yourself to seek out stories by women who come from different backgrounds than you, and share them with the people in your life you love most. Storytelling encourages compassion and empathy for others, which can be powerful catalysts for change. And finally, don’t forget that your own story has worth. Consider sharing your unique experiences through writing, visual art, or another creative outlet. You never know what connections you might make or whose life you may change.
How are you planning to spend International Women’s Day?
Also by Ashley: Turn To These 5 Empowering Books When You Need A Dash Of #Girlpower
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