20 Ways to Celebrate Women

International Women’s Day is a global recognition of women’s contributions to the world socially, economically, culturally, and politically. In honor of International Women’s Day, here’s a list of 20 ways to celebrate women—today and every day.

1.     Thank a woman who mentored you

Reconnect with a former mentor to share an update about your work and life. They will be thrilled to hear about your progress and the role they played in your success.

2.     Fix a wage gap

If you’re a manager, ensure you are fairly and equitably paying the women on your team. Make an investment in women and set them up for future financial success.

3.     Read a book by a woman author

So many women have written books that have changed my life, including Whitney Johnson, Tiffany Dufu, Amy Cuddy, and Joan C. Williams. Here’s a list of the 6 books I recommend for all women leaders. Bonus: Write a note to the author to thank them for their work and how it has influenced you.

4.     Buy a product from a woman-owned business

Show up for women-owned businesses by buying their products and sharing on social.

5.     Offer paid parental leave

Paid family leave has been shown to retain women in the workforce.

6.     Amplify other women’s voices

Listen to women when they speak. Believe women when they speak. Amplify their voices to ensure they are heard.

7.     Compliment another woman

Share a genuine compliment with another woman. It will make her day, and it may just lead to a new friendship. If you’re the one to receive the compliment, accept it!

8.     Invest in a women-owned business

Support women in bringing their vision to life. When you invest in her business, she in turn, invests in others. (I highly recommend IFundWomen, a marketplace for women-owned businesses.)

9.     Write a referral/rec for another woman

Open the door for a woman to get a new job, new client, or new opportunity by writing a referral or recommendation for her.

10.   Share your salary information with a mentee or trusted friend

Break down the stigma of women talking about money. Help women know and ask for their worth.

11.   Join a women’s networking group

Surround yourself with women who support you and challenge you. I’ve made wonderful business connections and lifelong friends through orgs like HeyMama, The Luminary, and The Cru.

12.   Share an article written by a woman

When you share an article with your network or on social, you’re creating exposure for new ideas. This is a great way to help women get recognition for their expertise.

13.   Text a love note to a friend

Send a note of gratitude to a woman you see often or haven’t seen in a while, which has benefits for both the recipient and the sender. Take it up another level by placing the love note in the mail.

14.   Sponsor/advocate for a woman

Help a woman advance her career by advocating for her when she’s not in the room.

15.   Negotiate your salary

Ask for what you deserve. It’s been said when you negotiate your salary, you do so on behalf of all women and pave the way for the next generation.

16.   Challenge the “likeability trap”

Call it out when women are held to double standards, such as when they’re called aggressive or told to smile more.

17.   Give women credit

Women often credit their success to luck or timing, which diminishes their role in their own success. Luck is when preparation meets opportunity. Remember how awesome you are and how hard you worked to get to this point!

18.   Bring other women up with you

Pay forward what has been invested in you to proactively create opportunities for other women.

19.   Create space to cheer on all women

It is our responsibility to create space for all women to belong at the table. Make sure to include Black, Brown, Asian, Indigenous, and trans women. We rise together.

20.  Be Yourself Boldly

Bring your truest, best self to the world—that is the greatest celebration of all.

Want to have someone to cheer you on in achieving your personal and professional goals? Send me a note to learn more about working with me to help accomplish more than you knew was possible for yourself.

 

 

Shanna A. Hocking