Happy International Women’s Day! Today is the day that commemorates the achievements for women in society in the economic and socio political sphere and is celebrated worldwide with purple ribbons, yellow flowers and activism campaigns. Although it began purely as a socio political event, in recent years the holiday has become a more laidback way to pay ode to the wonderful women in your life complete with cute gifts, parties, treats and the like. Want to get your girl power on? Here are different ways to pay homage to the holiday.
1. Watch a chick flick
Okay, maybe chick flick is the wrong word to use considering the socio political roots of International Women’s Day, but use the day to watch a movie with your best gal pals that celebrate strong women. A cult favourite: Thelma and Louise.
2. Read (or reread) an empowering book written by a woman
What better way to pay homage to your fellow womankind by reading about someone’s journey to success, struggle for women’s rights and the like? After all, knowledge is power. I personally love #GIRLBOSS, written by Nasty Gal creator Sophia Amoruso, and anything written by feminist political theorist Bell Hooks.
3. Give your friends a gift that gives back to other women
There are plenty of brands in the beauty, lifestyle and fashion realm that give directly back to women in the form of donations or cooperative initiatives. ME to WE’s jewellery collection employs female artisans to create stunning bracelets that repurpose traditional African jewellery methods for ladies like us. Or buy that special lady in your life L’Occitane’s Women’s Solidarity Balm, $6. The brand will donate 100 per cent of the profits from sales of the limited edition lip balm to leadership initiatives to the women of Burkina Faso, the community who produces all of the Shea butter used in L’Occitane’s products.
4. Celebrate with the women you love the most in your life
In Europe where International Women’s Day has had a stronger following for decades, loved ones (partners, of the male variety too) toast to women with some bubbly. Grab your favourite bottle of champagne and salut!
5. Get involved with a local woman’s charity in your neighbourhood
Finally, give back your own personal time to a local charity that looks out for womenkind. We can only move forwards as a gender if we work together. Volunteer at a local women’s shelter or check out cool initiatives like Dress For Success, a program that helps women get back into the work force by providing them with professional clothing for interviews and a basic office wardrobe in addition to networking opportunities. There are tons of others, just explore and get involved.
