Honour the Women in Your Workplace on March 8
Make International Women’s Day Important This Year For The Women in Your Workplace
Many people don’t know about or pay attention to International Women’s Day. Yet, because 50% of the global population is women, this day is relevant all around the world.
The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is #BreakTheBias and we are all asked to imagine a gender equal world; a world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination; a world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive; a world where difference is valued and celebrated; where together we can forge women’s equality.
The Pandemic Has Targeted Women
The last 2 years of the Pandemic have brought us to the brink of desperation, especially women. On the one hand, because most women work outside the home and handle most of the load at home, they are doubly stressed out. The majority of health care workers are women who often feel their work is not appreciated. On the other, more women than men were let go from their jobs during the pandemic, and domestic violence against women increased throughout the Pandemic.
If you’re a woman who works or anyone who believes in equality and would like to see a more equitable world, why not make International Women’s Day something special this year.
Recognizing International Women’s Day
Generally there are four ways each of us can honour International Women’s Day.
- celebrate women’s achievements
- raise awareness about women’s equality
- lobby for accelerated gender parity
- fundraise for female-focused charities
Let’s look at specific ways to do this with our daily gives!
- Wear International Women’s Day colours; purple, green and white. Purple signifies justice and dignity. Green symbolizes hope. And in 1908 when these colours were adopted, white represented purity. What could white symbolize now?
- A small desk plant in a boisterous spring colour is very low cost and very high appreciation.
- An invitation to lunch in one of her favourite spots shows you have paid attention.
- Offer to pick up the slack if she wants to go home early.
- Ask if you can pick up a coffee or lunch for her when you’re out.
- Send a note to all the women in the workplace recognizing them and their achievements.
- Start a campaign at work to sponsor a women’s cause.
- Bring a speaker into the workplace who will talk about the contributions of important women.
- Make a pledge with other workers to call out gender bias, discrimination and stereotyping every time you see it.
- Look up special International Women’s Day events in your area and offer to take someone.
If you want to learn more about how to honour International Women’s Day or where to find resources, click on these sites.
The National Speakers Bureau has people ready to speak about women’s issues for International Women’s Day. (https://www.nsb.com/search/?keyword=International%20Women%27s%20Day&dialogue=keyword
The Canadian Women’s Foundation provides more information and ideas on how to advance gender equality.
365Give is an organization that promotes doing one small act of giving every day. We are a giving resources that lets you decide how to give and to whom you want to give to so you can increase happiness around the world. We believe when a specific cause is important enough, we want to do our part to help you learn more. International Women’s Day is a cause we care about and want all of our members to add these gives to their list! Check out our website at www.365give.ca for more giving ideas, learn the science behind giving and why giving is important for all of us.
Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias.