Since 1911, International Women’s Day has celebrated the achievements and strength of women worldwide, prompting creators to come up with their own International Women’s Day event ideas. Events focused on women are a great way to unite colleagues and organisations to honour the women of the past, present and future and to learn more about the issues women face today.
The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day (March 8, 2023) is #EmbraceEquity. Embracing gender equity means giving women what they need to be successful in all facets of their life including social, economic, cultural and political realms. One example of embracing equity would be women earning the same wages as men for the same work. Ultimately, when we embrace equity, we achieve equality and create an inclusive world.
If you’re looking for International Women’s Day celebration ideas, read on for inspiration from other Eventbrite creators around the world. We’ve also put together 10 creative International Women’s Day event ideas as jumping-off points to help you plan an event that celebrates women’s achievements, raises awareness about workplace bias and takes action for equality. We hope these will motivate you to organise your own unique functions – on International Women’s Day and beyond.
Nonprofits celebrate International Women’s Day
For nonprofits, there are many International Women’s Day ideas to promote the theme of #EmbraceEquity. Discover inspiration for an International Women’s Day event by looking at past examples of successful events.
The Zonta Club of Glens Falls knows women are stronger when they work together. In 2022, it partnered with two other organisations for its event – the Soroptimists of the Adirondacks, a volunteer organisation for business and professional women and the American Association of University Women, which promotes equality and education for women and girls.
According to Lorraine Abess, President of the Zonta Club of Glens Falls, the partnership just made sense.
“Our missions align, and International Women’s Day is a perfect opportunity to raise awareness and shine a light on women, our accomplishments, and our continuing struggles.”
Consider ways to partner with nonprofits in your area to offer an event or programming that celebrates the #EmbraceEquity theme on International Women’s Day.
How you can raise awareness and celebrate women
Ready to start your to-do list? Celebrate International Women’s Day this year by planning an event that focuses on gender bias or highlights women’s achievements. Here are 10 inspiring ideas and activities to get you started.
1. Host a Q&A with a group of change-making women
Bring together a group of successful and innovative women to discuss embracing equity in all aspects of women’s lives. The Women in Programmatic Network was created to provide opportunities and support for women in the programmatic and digital advertising industry. This year they’ve organised the TWIPN International Women’s Day event – a networking event with inspiring speakers and seasoned professionals from across the advertising industry.
If you plan to host a similar event, follow our tips for finding great speakers to ensure attendees are excited and engaged as they learn about promoting gender equity.
2. Plan a workshop to incite change
According to the UN Refugee Agency, grassroots organisations are important for innovation. Inspire your attendees to participate in local efforts and organisations that support women and promote gender equity.
That’s what social impact entrepreneur Vinna Best did when she started the CURLYTREATS festival in 2013. After she experienced professional bias for wearing her Afro hair naturally, she decided to take a stand and empower other Black women. Best created new programmes focusing on the bias Black women faced in the workplace and beyond.
For International Women’s Day 2023, CURLYTREATS is hosting a Dear Black Women & Girls Festival that offers workshops and activities focused on women’s physical, mental and emotional wellness. This festival aims to give Black women and girls a space to celebrate and uplift one another.
Best provides some inspiration as you plan your International Women’s Day event, saying that “without stepping outside of your comfort zone, you will never realise what you are capable of. Be intentional, and you must know why before you start spending any time on it. While it may seem difficult at first, if you remain consistent, you will be able to offset most problems. Remember your why and keep pushing forward.”
3. Host a panel where experts and thought leaders discuss bias
If you’re planning a corporate event, have panellists discuss an important topic like gender equity in the workplace – even if it’s not International Women’s Day. Now more than ever, organisations need to have frank conversations about how bias impacts their employees.
According to McKinsey’s Women in Workplace 2022 report, only 25% of C-suite leaders are women and only 5% are women of colour. Contribute to the conversation and inspire attendees by exploring these issues.
4. Highlight intersectionality
Women’s issues overlap with other important global issues, like systemic racism and discrimination. By focusing on intersectionality – how someone’s different layers of identity affect their experience – you can highlight how women’s issues are connected to the fight to increase diversity, drive sustainability and effect change in our political or corporate systems.
Vinna Best is doing just that. At Dear Black Women & Girls Festival she wants to challenge social stereotypes around women from Black backgrounds.
5. Organise an author reading with women writers
A lack of gender equity also exists in the publishing world. The OECD International Survey of Scientific Authors indicates that women authors are underrepresented in scientific articles and underpaid, earning 5% to 6% less than their male counterparts. This International Women’s Day, bring women writers together to celebrate their achievements.
Whether in-person or live-streamed, hosting a reading allows your audience to hear great women writers read their latest work. Consider setting up a Q&A with the author or pose questions regarding issues in publishing, such as bias, racism and representation.
6. Give back to your community
Interested in raising funds for women’s rights through your event? There are many great organisations to support, whether they focus on the growth and development of young girls or actively work on issues that impact women. To give back with a more hands-on approach, research local women’s shelters and volunteer your time or find out what donations they need the most.
Consider hosting a donation drive alongside your event. Women’s shelters often look for essentials like feminine products, deodorant, shampoo and conditioner.
7. Highlight women in your industry
Get inspired by women who laid the groundwork in your industry. Plan a corporate International Women’s Day event, such as a lunch-and-learn where attendees dive into women’s contributions to the field. Incorporate International Women’s Day history to educate attendees about the day. Keep it close to home by inviting women in your community or company with executive positions to share their experiences and serve as role models.
For 20 years, Technocamps have been inspiring, motivating and engaging people with computational thinking. Technocamps: International Women’s Day 2023 event showcases the work being done by businesses, charities and projects across the country to encourage girls to study and work in the STEM industries.
8. Put together a showcase or concert featuring works by women
Spotlight creative women’s artistic achievements with a concert, art show, or author reading. Consider different ideas for social events that entertain and highlight women artists. Why not curate the art you’re showcasing according to a theme that fits your event’s mission or International Women’s Day goals?
Even better, weave in information about how women artists have been marginalised due to bias, so attendees understand the importance of uplifting women’s voices.
9. Celebrate women with a self-care event
Honour the women in your life by planning a women’s social event with the goal of rest and relaxation. Reach out to spas with group event packages or local yoga and meditation practitioners. Fitness and meditation sessions can often be streamed online and can help women claim quality time for themselves.
The Dear Black Women & Girls festival 2023 focuses on self-care, something Best is passionate about.
“Black women are known to put the needs of everyone else first. The damaging ‘strong Black woman’ stereotype means there is an unrealistic expectation for Black women to be resilient, independent, self-sacrificing, and have unwavering strength”, says Vinna.
Attendees can participate in yoga, sound healing, and meditation classes. And with panel discussions such as self-care and self-love, this uplifting and inspiring event honours and highlights the experiences and needs of everyday Black women and girls.
10. Get children involved in a fun workshop
For family-friendly or school-age-appropriate events, keep kids interested in activities for their age group. We have a helpful guide for marketing events to today’s parents, but once the kids are at the event, they’re the ones you’ll need to wow.
Keep things interactive with a topical game such as Bingo designed around influential women in science or literature, or read books that promote women’s strength and independence to young children. Give kids the opportunity to talk about what they know about International Women’s Day and the ways they may have experienced gender bias.
Plan an exciting and meaningful event
Celebrating International Women’s Day with women’s events isn’t about giving empty accolades to women. It’s about raising awareness around important issues and celebrating the women who make our world great. Sign up for Eventbrite today and start creating a page for your next event.
