13 WAYS YOU CAN PARTICIPATE IN INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

March 8th marks International Women’s Day, which celebrates the global achievements of women. It is also a day for action and taking steps towards reaching gender equality. This year’s theme is #BalanceforBetter to encourage gender balance in business, media, sports, wealth and politics around the world.

There has been a recent swell of female activism from the Women’s March to the #MeToo movement and today marks yet another opportunity for women to join together in solidarity, regardless of their political stripe. Below are some ways you can participate in this global event and make an impact both at home and abroad!

1. Wear purple- women (and their allies) are being asked to wear purple as a symbol of solidarity.

2. Attend a local rally or event. Find one near you here.

3. Write or call your female government representatives to thank them for their leadership or to express your concerns. You can find your member of Congress here. Don’t have a woman representing you? Sign up to run for office or support women who plan to here.

4. Donate to or volunteer at a local women’s clinic or shelter.

5. Shop or dine at female owned local businesses. If you’re from the Indianapolis area, here is a list of women owned businesses in the city!

6. Learn from fellow girl bosses. Tune in to this free live-stream webinar hosted by Simply Stylist featuring some truly inspiring female entrepreneurs.

7. Share on social! Join the International Women’s Day campaign by posting a “hands out” balance pose and share ways you plan to make a difference for women or encourage others to help forge a #BalanceForBetter.

8. Purchase goods that support female entrepreneurs and artisans abroad. Here are a few companies that are empowering women: Songa Designs, Sudara, Indego Africa.

9. Read about women across the globe who have helped shape history. These books are a good place to start: Good & Mad, Rad Women Worldwide, In the Company of Women, Atlas of Women in the World and This Will Be My Undoing.

10. Plan a voluntourism trip that supports women. This is not an option for everyone, but if you’re already planing to venture abroad, consider a volunteer vacation. Check here, here or here to learn more about the opportunities available.

11. Learn more about how to be an ally to women abroad without alienating them here.

12. Get Inspired! Learn from some of the world’s most incredible women who are leading the way in the areas of art, business and design. These 25 female led Ted Talks are sure to inform and inspire.

13. Connect with other like minded women. Consider attending a women’s based conference. Here is a list of some taking place this year. If you happen to be in New York, the Women’s Travel Fest kicks off this weekend and tickets are still available! I attended last year and it was a great way to ease into the conference experience.

Are you planning to participate in International Women’s Day? What are some other ways to get involved? Share your comments below!

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