LIFE

Wednesday, March 8, is International Women’s Day, and we can’t wait to celebrate the women around the world who make a difference every day. This special day isn’t just about giving a flower or card to a woman who you care about, though. March 8 is a celebration of the hard work women of the past and present have done and a reminder of how far we still need to go to create a more inclusive world.

How can you make a difference on this important day? Try one of the ideas below!

Learn about why this day is actually important—then share the knowledge
Did you know the first IWD was celebrated in 1909 in remembrance of the 1908 International Ladies Garment Worker's Union strikes? This was one of the first majority women unions in the United States, and their series of strikes in New York City in the early 1900s created better working conditions in garment factories around the country. Find out other interesting facts about women’s history by going here or here and share them with your friends and family to promote awareness of this special day.

Invite a group of friends to watch movies about women
IWD is perfect for reflection on women’s struggles. Check out flicks such as Girl Rising, Suffragette, Selena, The Iron Lady or No Woman, No Cry to see the courageous ways that women and girls around the world confront obstacles. After viewing the movie, sit down with your friends and family and discuss what you just saw.

Donate your time, clothes, food or money to a local women’s shelter
Wherever you live, there are shelters dedicated to helping local women, and they need your support. You can make or bring food, volunteer your time or clothes or even donate money. Find a local shelter’s website using the women's shelters search here and contact them to see what you can do.

Help a woman you know
Simply do the chores your mom is always asking you to finish without being asked, or babysit your cousins for free to help out your aunt. Sometimes, it’s the little things that mean the most!

Check out local women’s accomplishments
A lot of museums and community centers will put on exhibitions or shows to celebrate this special day. Go see the amazing things the women in your community are creating at one of these events. You’ll have a great time, learn something new and have a better appreciation for the women that are right next door to you.

How will you celebrate International Women’s Day? Tell us in the comments!

by Emily Cavanagh | 3/6/2017