For over 100 years women across the globe have been coming together to celebrate, lift up, and empower each other on March 8th. International Women’s Day is a day dedicated to honoring the historical achievements of females around the world. The theme for 2021 is #ChooseToChallenge, empowering women to spread awareness on women's rights and gender equality.
This year, we’ll be taking a look at how we can all celebrate International Women’s Day in a COVID-safe and meaningful way.
1. Get inspired by influential women. Pick up a book or find a podcast on one of your favorite topics. This doesn’t have to be an autobiography, it can be a fiction novel or a “How To” podcast. Women are making breakthroughs in all sorts of new fields from the film to mathematics and we want you to go out there and be inspired. Learn about our first female, Black, and South Asian American Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris. Her election has shattered conventions and given women all over the country someone to look up to.
2. Support women-owned businesses. A lot of news, articles, and blogs have discussed supporting local businesses amidst these crazy covid times, and we'd like to encourage you to make the effort to find women owned businesses this month. Women entrepreneurs are on the rise and are starting their own businesses. Not comfortable shopping in person yet? No problem - Etsy has a ton of small businesses to support!
3. Take a virtual trip to explore an exhibition by a female artist. We know it’s difficult to physically get out right now but a handful of museums across the globe have created free virtual tours of certain exhibits. Feeling the need to get out and experience a new culture again? Check out one of the exhibits below!
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Walk through some of Yayoi Kusama’s famous art installations
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Take a 360 Virtual Tour of the world of Georgia O’Keeffe
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Explore the work of many Oscar-nominated female costume designers at FIDM
You can also support performing artists by streaming their work online, like this performance of Shakespeare’s Richard II with a cast made up entirely of women of color.
4. Connect with the women in your life. Has it been a while since you’ve had time to call your mom, grandmother, or an old friend? Take some time to reflect on those who are important in your life and let them know what they mean to you! It’ll not only make them feel good to hear from you, but it may also make you feel better as well.
5. Celebrate the women who have made an impact in your life. Now bear with us for a moment, we know this is similar to number 4 but hear us out. Once you’ve reconnected with the women in your life, now it’s time to celebrate them! Send them a handwritten letter or make them a card to let them know you’re thinking about them. Do they live nearby? Take them out for a picnic at the park or a walk along the beach.
We want to encourage you, our readers, to chase your dreams. Whether it’s in the sciences or arts, engineering, dance, technology or teaching, nothing is unattainable. We hope you will continue to take chances and inspire others to do the same!
So, how will you be celebrating International Women's Day this year?
To search International Women’s Day 2021 events around the world, please refer to https://www.internationalwomensday.com/Events.
