International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global event celebrated annually on March 8th. It is a day to honour the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women and also to advocate for women’s rights and gender equality worldwide.
The day has been observed since the early 1900s and has since become a worldwide event that recognises and celebrates the achievements of women, while also highlighting the challenges they face and advocating for gender equality. It is a day to raise awareness about issues such as gender-based violence, unequal pay, and limited access to education and healthcare, among others.
Each year, the day is marked by various events and initiatives that bring together individuals, organisations, and governments to promote gender equality and women’s rights. It is an important opportunity to recognise the contributions of women to society and to call for greater gender equality and empowerment for women and girls worldwide.
The theme of International Women’s Day 2024 is Inspire Inclusion – “When we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, we forge a better world. And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there’s a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment.”
Tips for recognising International Women’s Day in the workplace
- Host a Special Event or Panel Discussion: Organising an event or panel discussion with female leaders from within and outside the organisation can inspire employees by highlighting women’s achievements and discussing challenges and opportunities related to gender equality.
- Workshops and Educational Sessions: Conducting workshops on unconscious bias, diversity, and inclusion can play a crucial role in educating employees and fostering a more inclusive workplace culture, where everyone feels valued and empowered.
- Recognition and Awards: Instituting awards or recognition programs to honour the contributions of outstanding female employees can significantly boost morale and motivate all employees by showcasing the organisation’s commitment to acknowledging and rewarding achievements irrespective of gender.
- Support Women’s Causes: Partnering with NGOs or charities focused on women’s rights or health demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to social responsibility and provides employees with an opportunity to contribute to meaningful causes, enhancing the sense of community and purpose within the workplace.
- Promote Women’s Leadership: Announcing initiatives aimed at enhancing gender diversity in leadership positions, such as mentorship programs or leadership training, directly addresses the issue of gender imbalance at higher levels of management and shows a clear path towards equality.
Find out more & get involved in International Women’s Day
https://www.internationalwomensday.com/
https://www.worldvision.org.uk/about/blogs/international-women-s-day-2023/
Read our guide – Women’s Health: The Ultimate Guide for Managers
Joanne is the editor for Workplace Wellbeing Professional and has a keen interest in promoting the safety and wellbeing of the global workforce. After earning a bachelor's degree in English literature and media studies, she taught English in China and Vietnam for two years. Before joining Work Well Pro, Joanne worked as a marketing coordinator for luxury property, where her responsibilities included blog writing, photography, and video creation.