Meaningful ways to celebrate, fundraise and make an impact on International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8 provides an opportunity to celebrate women’s achievements, support women and girls, and turn shared commitment into meaningful action for gender equality.

Whether you’re an individual, workplace, school, business or community group, there are countless ways to get involved.

Here are some inspiring ideas to help you make a difference.
 

1. Host an International Women’s Day event

Bring people together for a celebration, conversation or cause. Organize a breakfast, afternoon tea, panel discussion, networking event, workshop, film screening, community gathering or online event. Invite inspiring speakers, showcase women’s achievements and create opportunities for people to connect, learn and take action.
 

2. Fundraise for women and girls

Turn your IWD activity into an opportunity to raise funds for a meaningful cause. Host a charity lunch, sponsored challenge, workplace fundraiser, bake sale, quiz night or community event. Set up an online fundraising page, invite donations or arrange a company contribution. Support a trusted charity advancing women’s rights, education, health, safety, economic opportunity or leadership.
 

3. Champion women’s achievements

Celebrate women whose contributions deserve greater recognition. Share their stories, acknowledge their accomplishments, nominate women for awards, spotlight women leaders and creatives, or organize an exhibition showcasing women’s achievements. Recognizing women’s contributions helps challenge stereotypes, broaden representation and inspire future generations.
 

4. Make your workplace more equal

Use IWD to move beyond awareness and identify practical opportunities for progress. Review pay equity, recruitment, promotion, leadership representation and access to professional development. Arrange mentoring sessions, leadership workshops or discussions about workplace inclusion. Establish measurable commitments and follow up on progress throughout the year.
 

5. Support women-owned businesses

Choose women-owned businesses when sourcing products, services, catering, gifts, speakers or event suppliers. Feature women entrepreneurs in your communications, recommend their work and create opportunities for women-led businesses to connect with new customers and collaborators.
 

6. Give your time, knowledge and skills

Not every contribution needs to be financial. Volunteer, mentor an emerging leader, share professional expertise, offer career guidance, facilitate a workshop or help a community organisation reach a wider audience. Introductions, practical support and access to opportunities can help women build confidence, develop skills and advance their ambitions.
 

7. Educate, inspire and raise awareness

Organize a book discussion, share educational resources, screen a documentary or invite a knowledgeable speaker to explore gender equality. Discuss issues such as gender bias, stereotypes, women’s health, digital inclusion, equal pay and women’s representation in leadership. Encourage thoughtful conversations that lead to greater understanding and practical change.
 

8. Launch a campaign or make a public commitment

Use IWD to bring attention to an issue that matters to your organization or community. Share stories, create social media content, publish an article, promote an initiative or pledge specific actions to advance equality. Encourage others to participate, and communicate the progress and impact of your efforts.
 

9. Celebrate and support women in your life

Recognize the women who inspire, encourage and support you. Thank a colleague, celebrate a friend’s achievement, recommend a woman for an opportunity or acknowledge someone whose contribution might otherwise go unnoticed. Small gestures of recognition can make a meaningful difference, particularly when accompanied by practical support.
 

10. Keep the momentum going

International Women’s Day is a powerful starting point, not the finish line. Turn the enthusiasm of 8 March into ongoing action: maintain partnerships, continue fundraising, measure progress, share knowledge and keep gender equality on the agenda. Encourage colleagues, friends and communities to contribute in ways that reflect their own circumstances and capabilities.
 

Inspiring quotes by women for International Women’s Day

Words can encourage reflection, spark conversations and inspire action. Share these quotations in your IWD presentations, event materials, newsletters or social media communications.

• “I encourage women to step up. Don’t wait for somebody to ask you.” - Reese Witherspoon

• “We need women at all levels, including the top, to change the dynamic, reshape the conversation, to make sure women’s voices are heard and heeded, not overlooked and ignored.” - Sheryl Sandberg

• “Every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another. We’re strongest when we cheer each other on.” - Serena Williams

• “Organize, agitate, educate, must be our war cry.” - Susan B. Anthony

• “The most difficult thing is the decision to act. The rest is merely tenacity.” - Amelia Earhart

• “Where there is a woman, there is magic.” -Ntozake Shange

• “Always be a first-rate version of yourself instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.” -Judy Garland

• “No country can ever truly flourish if it stifles the potential of its women and deprives itself of the contributions of half of its citizens.” -Michelle Obama

• “I think realizing that you’re not alone, that you are standing with millions of your sisters around the world is vital.” - Malala Yousafzai

• “I’m not afraid of storms, for I’m learning how to sail my ship.” - Louisa May Alcott
   

Make your International Women’s day count

There is no single right way to celebrate IWD. The most meaningful activity is that which brings people together, recognizes women’s contributions, creates opportunities and supports progress towards gender equality.

Explore the wide range of free International Women’s Day resources for ideas and practical tools to help plan your activity, promote your event and inspire participation.

Whatever you choose to do, make it meaningful. Celebrate women, support their advancement and help turn the ambition of gender equality into action.