IWD Light Up shines a focus on gender equality

International Women's Day (IWD) on March 8 is all about connection, collaboration, and community. 

Groups everywhere can step forward in solidarity to help raise awareness about gender equality.

And what better way to Accelerate Action through elevating and celebrating the focus on women's advancement than to invite groups worldwide to engage and support their own communities by participating in IWD Light Up.
 

Anyone anywhere can support IWD Light Up

IWD Light Up is a worldwide collaborative campaign that sees IWD's iconic purple - the color of women and justice - splashed across every corner of the world.

For a number of years, iconic landmarks and infrastructure have adorned purple on International Women's Day, March 8, as they actively participate in awareness-raising efforts to help elevate the focus on gender equality and spread positive messaging on IWD.

But it's not only large landmarks that can participate. Smaller organizations, grassroot groups, and individuals are very welcome to play their part also. So, whether it's adorning your own home with purple, adding purple to your shop window, or lighting up a mega-structure - all activity is invited and welcome because that's what makes IWD so inclusive.
 

Get involved with IWD Light Up on March 8

Does your organization or group want to get involved in the annual IWD Light Up on March 8? Everyone everywhere is welcome.

If so, reach out and make contact if you'd like your participation potentially showcased to the world and your images shared. See some examples here.
 

London Eye supported the IWD 2024 Light Up 

2024 saw the iconic international landmark, London Eye, lead the IWD Light Up campaign.

Sandra Sheahan, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility Director at Merlin Entertainments, lastminute.com London Eye, said: “The London Eye team are honoured to partner for International Women’s Day, leading the 2024 IWD Light Up, illuminating purple for #InspireInclusion across the London skyline, alongside other landmarks around the world. “Inclusivity should always be at the forefront of our minds, and we believe that everyone deserves a chance to make unforgettable memories, and that’s why we’re dedicated to removing barriers now and in the future.”

The lastminute.com London Eye is the world's largest cantilevered observation wheel, at 135 metres high it's London's only moving view of the city. Built to celebrate the millennium, since 2000 London Eye has taken multimillions of people on a journey across London’s skyline. A symbol of the London community and a symbol known internationally, the London Eye is proud to be the iconic landmark leading the annual International Women’s Day Light Up 2024 campaign.

"With the importance of #InspireInclusion ever increasing, the London Eye team continually looks to amplify focus on women's equality, celebrate women's achievements, and increase community awareness in London and beyond," commented London Eye's management.

Get involved with IWD Light Up in your city

Organizations worldwide are invited to participate and be promoted as part of the annual IWD Light Up.

Check out just some of the many IWD Light Up participants here.

Iconic buildings participate in IWD Light Up

Across the world, iconic landmarks serve an important function in bringing together communities committed to women's equality.

For a number of years, for example, iconic buildings in New York such as One Bryant Park, One Five One, and One World Trade Center, owned by the Durst Organization, have participated in IWD Light Up in association with Spireworks.

Lighting up these iconic landmarks on March 8 to mark International Women's Day, New York has seen some of its most renowned buildings awash with the message of women's equality.

Coupled with exciting events, such as the IWD Light Up gatherings with The Security Traders Association of New York's (STANY) Women in Finance Group organized by Senior Trader Johanna Rossi and STANY CEO Kimberly Unger, impact is forged both inside and out of these impressive structures. 

IWD Light Up provides an important fundraising focus  

Lighting up is also often accompanied by an element of IWD giving which sees significant fundraising to support the important work of women-focused charities.

For example, for International Women's Day one year, Spireworks helped raise over USD 30,000 in donations. 

A collaborative global community campaign 

Here are ways to get involved with IWD Light Up in your city.

• Support your local IWD Light Up by visiting IWD Light Up landmarks, taking pictures, and sharing on social media with #IWDlightup.
   
• Tell local landmarks about IWD Light Up and invite them to participate. There's no cost to be involved with this free worldwide campaign.
   
• Host your own IWD event in collaboration with an IWD Light Up venue.
   
• Cover your local IWD Light Up in an article to be potentially published on the IWD website. Submissions invited here.
   
• Reach out with further ideas and feedback on how to make IWD Light Up even bigger and better.

Big or small, impact comes from anywhere

So whether it's a skyscraper, tourist landmark, sporting stadium, shopping mall, school or university, local library, or even a private residence - anyone anywhere can get involved in IWD Light Up.

That's the collaborative and inclusive spirit of IWD.

And remember, all IWD activity is valid, that's what makes IWD so inclusive.