Participate in IWD Light Up to shine a light on gender equality
International Women's Day (IWD) on March 8 is all about connection, collaboration, and community.
Collectively, groups worldwide step forward in solidarity to help raise awareness about gender equality. Everyone, everywhere, is welcome. And what better way to elevate and celebrate the focus on women's advancement than to invite groups to engage and support their own communities by participating in IWD Light Up.
IWD Light Up is a worldwide collaborative campaign that sees IWD's iconic purple - the color of women and justice - shining 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 welcome to play a part also.
Whether adorning a home with purple, adding purple to a shop window, or lighting up a mega-structure - all activity is invited and welcome because that's what makes IWD so inclusive. Get involved in your city and showcase your IWD Light Up across social media using the hashtag #IWDlightup.
Reach out and make contact if you'd like your participation featured on the IWD website and social media feeds.
IWD Light Up sees groups worldwide shine a light on gender equality
The Securities Commission of The Bahamas lights up Poinciana House purple, in honor of International Women’s Day.
"Proudly, we stand in support of women who continue to inspire progress through their leadership, resilience, and dedication. Today and every day, the Securities Commission of The Bahamas celebrates the remarkable contributions of women in finance, regulation, and beyond," said the group.
Engaging the community on IWD
Luna Park NYC has illuminated its historic Parachute Jump in purple in honor of International Women’s Day.
"Luna Park in Coney Island continues its commitment to fostering a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion," said the group.
A vibrant display of solidarity and support
The Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon in Northern Ireland, United Kingdom, illuminated key council buildings in purple to mark International Women’s Day and raise awareness for Women’s Aid Armagh Down, the Lord Mayor’s chosen charity of the year. The buildings bathed in purple included The Palace, Armagh Gaol, Banbridge Old Town Hall and Craigavon Civic and Conference Centre.
“International Women’s Day is a crucial moment to celebrate the achievements of women and girls around the world, and to reflect on the work that still needs to be done to achieve true gender equality,” said the Lord Mayor, Councillor Sarah Duffy. “I am incredibly proud to support Women’s Aid Armagh Down during my term. Their tireless work providing refuge, support, and advocacy for women and children experiencing domestic abuse is vital to our community. Lighting our borough purple is a visual reminder that we all have a role to play and demonstrates our commitment to promote positive behaviours and end violence against women and girls."
Women’s Aid Armagh Down provides crucial services to women and children affected by domestic abuse, including confidential support, information and emergency accommodation. Eileen Murphy, Chief Executive of Women’s Aid Armagh Down said: “On behalf of Women’s Aid Armagh Down, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Lord Mayor for illuminating the council buildings in purple to mark International Women’s Day and to raise awareness of Women’s Aid Armagh Down. This powerful gesture not only sheds light on the vital issues faced by women but also highlights the importance of our mission to support those affected by domestic abuse. It brings us great pride that the Lord Mayor selected Women’s Aid Armagh Down as her chosen charity for the year. This is a huge honour for us as a local grassroots organisation and we feel this is a genuine and real commitment from the council to take decisive actions in creating a safer, securer and more supportive environment for women and girls."
Celebrating the achievements of women all over the world
IWD Light Up saw the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, otherwise known as The Kate, majestically shine its purple light for women.
"On this International Women's Day we light up our historic columns purple in celebration of the achievements of women all over the world. We celebrate those of the present, and honor those who came before, including our iconic trailblazing namesake Katharine Hepburn," said the non-profit performing arts organization.
Groups like the London Eye have participated in IWD Light Up
IWD has seen the iconic international landmark London Eye radiate purple in support of 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 IWD Light Up, illuminating purple 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 has been proud to be an iconic landmark supporting the International Women’s Day Light Up campaign. "...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.
Reinforcing a commitment to gender equality across academia
Aston University, a leading UK university where students aspire to succeed in business and the professions, is one of the many progressive organizations worldwide that has participated in IWD Light Up.
The Aston University Library [pictured above] adorned an impressive hue of purple for International Women's Day as the group delivered a series of insightful talks and impactful events marking the day. Aston University's vision is to create an inclusive environment in which individuals can operate at all levels regardless of their personal circumstances. The University's Inspiring Women @ Aston group helps develop and support its women to achieve.
Groups everywhere reinforce support for women's equality
State Street buildings around the globe have lit up in purple to celebrate International Women's Day and shine a light on gender equality.
"This International Women's Day we celebrate the women who break barriers, challenge the status quo, and pave the way for those who follow," commented the group.
"...At State Street, inclusion is embedded in our culture and the foundation of our success and innovation. Within our organization, we aim to lead by example in creating opportunities for all. Embracing diverse talent, empowering women, and ensuring every voice is heard is not just the right thing to do – it is critical to our resilience and growth. When women thrive, societies prosper, and economies flourish. I invite you to join me in championing gender equity by mentoring, supporting, and uplifting the women around us," said Ronald O'Hanley, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at State Street.
Across the world IWD's purple light shines
Southern Downs Regional Council is located in the idyllic Southern Downs region of Queensland, Australia. It's an agricultural hub that offers an outstanding mix of investment and business opportunities, industrial and rural locations, and a relaxed country lifestyle. It's home to a number of National Parks, an important part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, major events, and Queensland's only cold climate wine country, the Granite Belt. It really is a great place to live, work, play and stay.
To mark International Women's Day, the Southern Downs Regional Council lit up the Warwick Town Hall's historic tower [pictured above], the Southern Downs Regional Council Stanthorpe Administration Building, and also its Weeroona Park in community solidarity marking International Women's Day.
"International Women's Day has become a time to reflect on progress, to call for change, and to celebrate the courage and determination of the women who changed history, and those who will advance gender equality into the future," said the Council.
Solar-powered Ferris wheel lights up for IWD
Pacific Park’s famous solar-powered Ferris wheel on Santa Monica Pier lit up to mark IWD.
The famous solar-powered Ferris wheel lit up using the colors purple, green and white - IWD's colors signifying justice, dignity, and hope.
The special light program ran from dusk to midnight on IWD, with the best views enjoyed from the Santa Monica Pier boardwalk just west of the amusement park, and from the beaches south of the Pier.
The Ferris wheel's IWD Light UP program was also delivered live online.
Engaging the local community
Boroondara in Melbourne, Australia lit up its Hawthorn Arts Centre in purple to celebrate IWD.
"This day is an opportunity to celebrate the women of Boroondara and the important contributions they make in our community and beyond," said Boroondara City Council.
And it's not solely big infrastructure lighting up
Smaller organizations across the world have also been involved in IWD Light Up.
Here's Boutique Brows and Body from Hobart in Tasmania, Australia making its mark "in celebration of the incredible community of women" they have around them.
"Each and everyday we have the honor of serving women, our loyal clients, and we sincerely thank you as we don’t take your custom for granted," said the group.
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.
Thank you to all the IWD Light Up groups
Across the world, communities step forward in solidarity to shine a light on gender equality.
Share your own images across social media using the hashtag #IWDlightup.
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